Acclaimed TV host Eddie Miró dies at 89

Eddie Miró

By The Star Staff

Eddie Miró, one of the most beloved figures of Puerto Rican television, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. Known for his charisma and talent, Miró left an indelible mark on the history of Puerto Rican entertainment.

“At the time of his death he was accompanied by his wife, daughters and grandchildren,” the Miró Medina family said in a written statement. “It is a difficult reality but we accept it with resignation. We deeply appreciate the affection and admiration that has always been shown to him.”

The family extended their sincere gratitude to the medical team in the Neurointensive and Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MICU 1), as well as to the nurses, security and maintenance staff, for their tireless dedication throughout the entire process.

Miró was hospitalized several weeks ago after suffering a fall.

Miró was born on March 25, 1935, in Humacao, but grew up in Santurce. He studied at Central High and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, with a degree in agronomy, but became Telemundo Puerto Rico’s most acclaimed television presenter.

In Paquito Cordero’s productions Miró headed “El Show de las Doce” -- broadcast for 40 years without interruption, where he also wrote sketches for top comedy figures such as Norma Candal and Awilda Carbia -- and “Noche de Gala,” where he engaged for 27 years with internationally renowned stars such as Raphael, Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, Julio Iglesias, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, José José, Marco Antonio Muñiz, The Fania All Stars, Sandro de América, Rubén Blades, Johnny Ventura, Héctor Lavoe, Menudo, Iris Chacón, Isabel Pantoja and Roberto Carlos, among many others.

In the 1980s, Miró was the host of the variety show “Salsa Saturday Night,” dedicated to the musical genre.

He also wrote scripts for the successful films “El Alcalde de Machuchal,” “El Jíbaro Millonario” and “El Curandero del Pueblo,” and acted in them. He also worked on screen for producers Oscar and Carlos Sacco in “Súper Sábados,” which aired on the entire Telemundo network.

Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón, San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo and Puerto Rico Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Juan Dalmau Ramírez all expressed their condolences.

“In this moment of pain, I want to express my most profound condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of the departed Eddie Miró,” González Colón said.

“We all laughed and enjoyed his charisma, unique style, legacy and contribution to Puerto Rican popular television culture, which will live in each one of us,” she added. “Rest in peace Eddie Miró.”

“With great pain I received the news of the departure from the earthly plane of the beloved Eddie Miró,” Romero Lugo said. “His human warmth and sense of humor accompanied an entire people through generations from his diverse facets, converting him into a beloved and respected icon.”

“Rest in Peace, the man with the ‘eternal smile,’ Eddie Miró,” Dalmau Ramírez said. “My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, who I had the honor to work with.”