Univision brings back two great legends: ‘Television has always been my passion’
TelevisaUnivision is betting on the legends who shaped Hispanic television in the United States. First came the announcement of Don Francisco’s return with a talk show and, last week, it was revealed that Charytin Goyco, “La Rubia de América,” will also be returning to the network.
“We have a bombshell for you,” Raúl González announced on May 26 on “Despierta América,” while a voiceover highlighted Charytin’s “elegance, charisma and unique style.”
The Dominican diva, 77, returned this Monday as co-host of the hit daytime show “Desiguales,” temporarily filling in for Adamari López, who will soon traveling to Uruguay for the taping of “¿Quién Caerá?”
Charytin, known by her first name, was welcomed to the program by Amara La Negra, Karina Banda, Migbelis Castellanos, and López—who has not yet departed for her new professional engagement.
“The ‘Desiguales’ hosts are women with important voices and different points of view that audiences truly connect with. Television has always been my life and my passion,“ Charytin said in a press release sent by TelevisaUnivision.
Dr. Nancy Alvarez, another of the hosts of ‘Desiguales,’ was not present on Monday.
Is Univision running out of ammunition?
The announced return of Mario Kreutzberger “Don Francisco” by TelevisaUnivision on May 12 when presenting its new lineup, and now Charytín’s comeback, raises the question if the network is running out of fresh talent and must turn to past stars. At the same time, it highlights how difficult it is to replace the experience and charisma of multifaceted personalities like them.
Charytín represents the traditional vedette: she sings, dances and acts— to varying degrees of success —but she always manages to connect with audiences. Her career in film, television and as a host of variety and entertainment shows, like “Escándalo TV” on TeleFutura—then a sister channel of Univision—shows she can step in and out of the spotlight at will.
With more than half a million followers on Instagram alone, Charytin stays active on social media, often accompanied by her daughter Shary Goyco.
“Incredible woman… she brings smiles to hearts,” wrote one user on Despierta América’s Instagram post about Charytin joining the show. Another user commented, “That lady is already an elderly person. Make way for new talents. Let Charytín rest.”
The return of Hispanic television legends
Don Francisco, 85, and Charytín prove that the vocation for television doesn’t disappear with age. Their returns also send a message to those who discriminate against people because of their age.
“For us it’s vocational. It has nothing to do with hours, because in this trade you know the time you go on, but never the time you leave,” Don Francisco said on “Despierta América”.
Accustomed to reinventing himself—like when, at 46, he came to the United States to host “Sábado Gigante” after succeeding in Chile—Don Francisco summed up in a few words what television means to him.
“Television changes, times change, but the thrill of communicating with people remains the same. See you soon,” he said.
‘Sábado Gigante’ was canceled in 2015 after 53 years on the air.
The big networks’ sticking with their legends is already a trend in Latin America. Mirtha Legrand’s continued presence on Argentine television at 99 with “La noche de Mirtha” shows that talent can appeal to many generations.
