Lili Estefan and Raúl De Molina’s 27-Year Journey to Hollywood Walk of Fame Stardom!

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In the ’90s, when our paths first intersected on the vibrant Spanish-language show “Sábado Gigante”, Lili Estefan and Raul De Molina were on seemingly distinct professional trajectories. I found myself captivated by their unique journeys.

Molina was a renowned photographer who transitioned from capturing scenes of conflict in Central and South America to photographing celebrities, with his images gracing magazines globally. Simultaneously, Estefan, the niece of singer Gloria Estefan, was making her mark in broadcasting as a model on a variety show and as a local Miami radio host. Hailing from distinct backgrounds, they would form an on-screen duo within a decade that, according to both parties, has endured longer than many marriages.

For a span of 27 years, the duo has been jointly hosting the entertainment news show “El Gordo y la Flaca” (meaning “The Fat Man and the Skinny Girl), one of Univision’s most popular and longest-running series. This program made its debut in 1998, and since then, Estefan and De Molina have established themselves as familiar faces in Spanish-speaking households across the U.S., Central America, and beyond. For their lasting cultural influence, they will soon receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In my experience, this particular instance transcended me. Back in 1982, as a 16-year-old, I caught my initial sight of that iconic landmark during my inaugural journey to Hollywood – a moment I’ll never forget.

She shares with EbMaster that her recollection of the American Dream has resonated deeply with her for quite some time. However, she finds it disappointing how exclusive it often appears. Yet, she views it as a privilege, a key that can open opportunities for those following closely behind her, including her children and grandchildren. To her, it’s a beautiful concept.

De Molina has traversed the starry cosmos multiple times, yet he’s observed that only a limited number of personalities from Hispanic entertainment have been accepted into this group. Among them are Don Francisco, the host of “Sábado Gigante”, and Cristina Saralegui, often referred to as the “Spanish-Cuban Oprah”. He expresses pride in their efforts to reinforce that representation within this circle.

Each day at 4 p.m., I find myself stepping into people’s homes, and there’s nothing more heartwarming than the moments when they acknowledge me on the street, expressing that I seem like an extended family member to them. This sense of belonging is truly special, especially when it comes from being honored with a star in the heart of the world’s most prominent entertainment scene.

Reflection on their achievements has led both individuals to ponder their journey. De Molina initially started his career as a freelance photographer, working for outlets such as the Associated Press, Time, and Newsweek. However, the arrival of a television series titled “Miami Vice” marked a significant shift. All of a sudden, he was tasked with photographing stars Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas in Miami. As Don once joked, “You have more pictures of me than my own mother.

His sudden fame as a paparazzo brought him into contact with numerous celebrities, including Princess Caroline of Monaco and the late Princess Diana from Great Britain. He was familiar with Madonna’s running routine, and on the day she published her controversial “Sex” book in 1992, he waited for her along her route. As she passed by, he joined her for a run to secure an interview that garnered attention globally.

Apparently, I transformed into a renowned paparazzo, snapping photos of celebrities across the beautiful Caribbean islands,” he explains, “which turned out to be significantly less dangerous compared to my previous assignments photographing wars in Central and South America.

Through his extensive knowledge about stars, he eventually got invited to appear on daytime talk shows hosted by Maury Povich, Geraldo Rivera, and Joan Rivers. It was during his stint on Joan’s show that a Univision producer noticed him and offered him a job as an entertainment correspondent for “Sábado Gigante.” Emilio Estefan was one of the original three models who joined the show when it moved to Miami in 1986.

At just under 20 years old, Estefan landed the job, which provided her with an enjoyable stage. From there, she secured her own segment titled “Lili, Cámara, Acción” on Channel 23 local news for entertainment pieces, as well as a morning DJ position at a radio station. During this period, she learned to discuss various topics fluently, according to her.

At Univision, she encountered producer Mario Rodriquez – who she initially thought was a limo driver – about participating in a fresh series alongside De Molina. The show, titled “El Gordo y la Flaca” (roughly translated as “The Big and the Skinny”), might seem somewhat brash in its title, but it’s managed to stay strong even when others have struggled. She attributes their enduring success to Rodriquez’s knack for engaging audiences with news in a captivating manner. In response, he praises her unique ability to approach things from a fresh angle.

She remarks that this special connection we share has endured through time, despite our distinct personalities. He’s as far away from me in terms of character, but perhaps that’s what makes it work so well. He chases after the unseen aspects of life, while I was initially green to the industry, juggling my career and family responsibilities. At times, it felt like I was treading on delicate ground, balancing both roles, especially since I value my family deeply.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve always believed that the best movies are like enduring partnerships – they go through their ups and downs. “We’ve shared moments of joy and moments of struggle,” I often find myself saying. “But no matter what, we’ve been there for each other.

The series involves navigating a dynamic entertainment industry, with social media currently being the main hurdle identified. Authentic portrayals of their on-screen and off-screen camaraderie have always been its strength. “Be genuine, don’t fake it,” she advises. However, they’ve learned to tread carefully given the era where a mistake can swiftly escalate on social media, even before the next advertisement break. For example, one of their highly-appreciated segments featured Estefan and De Molina interviewing a celebrity while relaxing in a hot tub. This segment was discontinued about a decade back.

Prior to social media, we had plenty of enjoyable moments on the program,” he notes. “Now, due to its influence, producers, myself, and Lili must think twice or even thrice before making any comments on air – remember, this is live television! As a result, it’s quite challenging when trying to deliver a joke.

“Sometimes we get in trouble, but we still say it like it is,” Estefan adds.

In the year 2025, the very title of their show might be considered outdated and politically incorrect due to its focus on physical appearances. However, the hosts proudly maintain this aspect from their past, with De Molina sharing he has shed 60 pounds more recently, and Estefan humorously mentioning that having two children could potentially alter her former label as “the skinny girl.

They show no signs of ending their collaboration in the near future. “After being together for 27 years?” She jokes, “I think we’re still good to go!”

Here is another option:

They seem determined to continue their partnership for some time yet. “Two and a half decades together?” She chuckles, “It looks like we’ve got more miles left on this road!

While basking in their shared brilliance, De Molina couldn’t help but recall the individual who foresaw his success here.

He expresses that his mother would be profoundly delighted. She’s been gone for approximately 10 to 12 years now, but she once confided in someone that “My son is as famous as Elvis Presley.” She predicted I would have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and here we are.

TIP SHEET:I’ll be there at 11:30 am on February 27th to witness the special moment when Lili Estefan and Raúl De Molina receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! The ceremony will take place at 7076 Hollywood Blvd., in the heart of Hollywood. For more details, you can check out walkoffame.com.

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2025-02-27 21:17