Mexican television mourns the loss of Talina Fernández, a beloved presenter who passed away on Wednesday, June 28th, at the age of 78 due to health complications. Her son, “Coco” Levy, confirmed the news of her passing after she was hospitalized. Fernández was a prominent figure in Mexican television, with a career spanning back to the 1970s, where she first captivated audiences with her charm and talent.
Fernández’s career began to blossom in the 1970s when she joined the program La Cosquilla alongside Raúl Astor. This early role provided her with valuable experience, sharing the screen with other notable personalities like Héctor Bonilla and Héctor Suárez. She recounted her experiences on La Cosquilla as “fantastic,” even mentioning an anecdote about being invited to Las Vegas due to Astor’s connections, where she humorously recalled being reprimanded by Raúl for a late hotel arrival and concealed events.
Her career took a significant leap when she joined Televisa’s Caras y Gestos, a pivotal moment that solidified her place in Mexican television history. Emilio Azcárraga Sr., known as “El Tigre,” personally appointed her as both producer and presenter of this game show. Caras y Gestos became a household name and one of the most popular programs on Mexican television, showcasing Fernández’s dynamic presence and ability to connect with viewers. This role is particularly significant when discussing “Caras Y Gestos Programa De Tv” in the context of her career.
Before leading Caras y Gestos, Fernández also contributed to news programs such as Antena 5. Her involvement in Ricardo Rocha’s news program, Nuestras Realidades, further broadened her experience in different television formats. This diverse background prepared her for the multifaceted role she would undertake with Caras y Gestos.
Talina Fernández was also one of the founding members of the morning program Hoy, a show still running today with hosts like Galilea Montijo, Andrea Legarreta, and Paul Stanley. She was instrumental in launching this iconic morning show in the 1990s, over three decades ago, demonstrating her lasting impact on Mexican television formats.
Among the notable moments in Talina Fernández’s career was her experience as a witness to the assassination of PRI political figure Luis Donaldo Colosio in the summer of 1994. During his presidential campaign in Tijuana, Baja California, Fernández, who had moved there at the request of Emilio Azcárraga to explore television product sales, was present at the rally.
Fernández recounted being invited to the event by Dania Laura Rojas, Luis Donaldo Colosio’s wife, whom she considered a friend. Despite her initial reluctance, she attended the rally and became an unexpected witness to a tragic and pivotal moment in Mexican history.
Throughout her life, Talina Fernández’s full name, Catalina María del Sagrado Corazón Fernández-Veró Vela, often caused her trouble, particularly with official documentation. She humorously mentioned that her parents “messed up” by giving her such a long name, which led to frequent errors in official documents and even at banks.
Talina Fernández’s career is a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal in Mexican television. From her early days in La Cosquilla to her iconic role in Caras y Gestos, and beyond, she left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of viewers. Her legacy as a pioneering and beloved television personality will be remembered for generations to come, especially for her significant contribution to the success of “caras y gestos programa de tv”.
