Raúl De Molina

Raúl De Molina was born in Havana, Cuba in 1959. De Molina's father was detained as a political prisoner for 24 years by the Communist Party of Cuba. De Molina's family left Havana and lived in Spain when he was 10 years old. They moved to the United States when he was 16.{{Cite web|last=Bowl|first=Paula Conway / The Candy|title=The Candy Bowl: 'El Gordo' Raul de Molina is living large|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/latino/candy-bowl-el-gordo-raul-de-molina-living-large-article-1.2519561|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=New York Daily News|date=February 3, 2016 }} As a child, De Molina became interested in photography. While in high school, he took photos for the school yearbook.{{Cite web|date=September 26, 2013|title=The Artsy Questionnaire: Raul de Molina, Photojournalist-Turned-Collector and Univision's Most Popular Host|url=https://www.artsy.net/article/editorial-the-artsy-questionnaire-raul-de-molina-photojournalist-turned-collector|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Artsy|language=en}} He later attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He was also a graduate of Miami Photography College in North Miami. {{Cite web|last=Holloway|first=Daniel|date=November 6, 2020|title=Univision's Raúl De Molina on Trump's Gains With Latinos and Hollywood's Representation Problem|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/raul-de-molina-2020-election-1234824139/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

After graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, De Molina worked as a freelance photographer during the 1980s. He first freelanced for Associated Press, before freelancing for the Time, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report and USA Today.

He documented news and live sports events, before eventually becoming a celebrity photographer. He was known for photographing celebrities and royalty including Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro and Melanie Griffith.{{Cite web|last=Sun-Sentinel|first=John Hughes, Ft Lauderdale|title=CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER GETS HIS SHOTS AT STARDOM|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-06-27-9102260627-story.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Chicago Tribune|date=June 27, 1991 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=October 20, 2010|title=One on One: Travels of the Fat Man -- National Geographic Traveler|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/raul-de-molina|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923214411/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/raul-de-molina|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 23, 2021|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Travel|language=en}} In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, De Molina commented on the lengths he went to for his photographs, including dangling outside of a helicopter to photograph the wedding of Jane Fonda and Ted Turner.{{Cite web|title='El Gordo y La Flaca' host Raul de Molina takes the EW Personality Quiz|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/12/07/el-gordo-y-la-flaca-raul-de-molina-personality-quiz/|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=EW.com|language=en}}

His candid photos appeared in publications such as Life, ¡Hola!, and Paris Match. During the United States invasion of Panama, De Molina was one of the first photographers present and took photos of the inside of Manuel Noriega's house. In addition, he was a special contributor for the Spanish edition of Travel + Leisure magazine and has been featured in National Geographic Traveler, and The New York Times Travel section.{{Cite news|last=Wulfhart|first=Nell McShane|date=March 5, 2019|title=What Raúl de Molina Can't Travel Without|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/05/travel/univision-what-raul-de-molina-cant-travel-without.html|access-date=March 10, 2019|issn=0362-4331}}

In 2005, De Molina's photography was displayed in the "Pictures of a Lifetime" exhibition at the Gary Nader Gallery in Miami.{{Cite web|title=Past Exhibitions 2004-2009 auf artnet|url=http://www.artnet.de/galerien/gary-nader-fine-art/past-exhibitions-2004-2009/|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=www.artnet.de}}

De Molina began appearing on various talk shows during the 1990s, including The Joan Rivers Show, Maury Povich Show, and Geraldo. These early television appearances brought him to the attention of Spanish-language channels Telemundo and Univision.{{Cite web|last=Gebreyes|first=Rahel|date=September 4, 2014|title=How Joan Rivers Helped Catapult A TV Veteran Into Stardom|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/joan-rivers-raul-de-molina_n_5768996|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=HuffPost|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Siegemund-Broka|first1=Austin|last2=Siegemund-Broka|first2=Austin|date=September 4, 2014|title=Emmy-Winning Univision Host Raul De Molina Pays Tribute to Joan Rivers for Starting His TV Career|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/emmy-winning-univision-host-raul-730349/|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}} He made appearances on shows like Sábado Gigante, and in 1998 became the co-host of El Gordo y la Flaca, alongside Lili Estefan. He has continued to host the show ever since, which has more viewers on its time slot than ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX combined.{{cite news|last=McClellan|first=Steve|date=October 25, 2010|title=Univision on Track to Become Top U.S. Broadcast Network|work=Hollywood Reporter|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/univision-track-becoming-top-us-32448|accessdate=April 1, 2015}}

He has hosted and reported for programs such as Primer Impacto, Ocurrió Así, Hola América, and Club Telemundo, as well as primetime specials and his own productions.{{Cite web|date=October 8, 2015|title=Enrique Gratas Died: Raúl De Molina, María Celeste Arrarás And More Celebrities React To Death Of Journalist [TWEETS]|url=https://www.latintimes.com/enrique-gratas-died-raul-de-molina-maria-celeste-arraras-and-more-celebrities-react-346096|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Latin Times|language=en}}

De Molina has also covered live events such as the Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas,{{cite web|date=|title=Raul De Molina Pictures - The 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards - Green Carpet|url=http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/pcMCjwhjHXs/10th+Annual+Latin+GRAMMY+Awards+Green+Carpet/OjrXNQqXVL2/Raul+De+Molina|publisher=Zimbio|accessdate=April 1, 2015}} and the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, Manhattan.{{cite web|date=October 26, 2009|title=Raul de Molina Takes Over New York - Entertainment News|url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/entertainment/1775016/raul_de_molina_takes_over_new_york/index.html|publisher=redOrbit|accessdate=April 1, 2015}}{{cite news|last=Ryzik|first=Melena|date=February 23, 2011|title=Oscar Picks, Courtesy of Univision's El Gordo|work=The New York Times|url=http://carpetbagger.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/oscar-picks-courtesy-of-univisions-el-gordo/}} While in South Africa to cover the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Molina was stranded during a safari when his car engine caught fire, and he was surrounded by lions. According to Molina, he was rescued after a passing family gave him a ride.{{Cite web|last=Munzenrieder|first=Kyle|title=Univision Host Raul De Molina Almost Eaten by Lions After Mini Cooper Explodes in Africa|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/univision-host-raul-de-molina-almost-eaten-by-lions-after-mini-cooper-explodes-in-africa-6548445|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Miami New Times|language=en}}

In 2008, De Molina was chosen as one of the "Most Influential Hispanics" in the United States by People en Español.{{Cite web|date=July 11, 2011|title=Raúl De Molina Takes Over!|url=http://hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=in&id=12945&cha=7|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711171427/http://hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=in&id=12945&cha=7|archive-date=July 11, 2011|access-date=March 14, 2019}} He was featured in both the "Most Beautiful" and "Best Dressed" special issues of People en Español.{{Cite web|title=Mezcalent: Raúl de Molina es bello|url=https://mezcalent.com//photo?id=103666|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Mezcalent}}

In October 2008, Random House published his second book La Dieta del Gordo about his own struggles with weight, and his secret to losing 70 pounds.{{Cite web|title=Nonfiction Book Review: La Dieta del Gordo: Como Perder Libras Sin Pasar Hambre by Raul De Molina, Author Grijalbo $18.95 (195p) ISBN 978-0-307-39241-1|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-307-39241-1|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Publishers Weekly|language=en}} De Molina was an inaugural contributor to the HuffPost's Food section. He continues to write regular columns on food, healthcare, sports and Hispanic culture.{{cite news|author=Raúl de Molina|date=June 3, 2010|title=The World's Best Restaurant|website=HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-worlds-best-restauran_b_599928|accessdate=November 6, 2019}}{{cite news|author=Raúl de Molina|date=March 18, 2010|title=Thanks for the Welcome|website=HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/thanks-for-the-welcome_b_406136|accessdate=November 6, 2019}}{{cite news|author=Raúl de Molina|date=August 12, 2010|title=Alinea|website=HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/alinea_b_680280|accessdate=November 6, 2019}}{{cite news|author=Raúl de Molina|date=May 24, 2010|title=Health Care Experiences and Observations from around the World|website=HuffPost|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/healthcare-experiences-an_b_511249|accessdate=November 6, 2019}} He is also a regular contributor to AOL News.{{cite web|title=Opinion: My Kind of World Cup|url=http://www.aolnews.com/opinion/article/opinion-my-kind-of-world-cup/19512534|url-status=dead|publisher=AOL News|accessdate=April 1, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100613041124/http://www.aolnews.com/opinion/article/opinion-my-kind-of-world-cup/19512534|archivedate=June 13, 2010}}

In 2008, De Molina appeared on After Hours with Daniel Boulud. He was a judge on Iron Chef America in 2011. He was also a guest on The Chew and The Wendy Williams Show.{{cite web|author=|date=|title=Iron Chef America Season 10 Episode 14 - Watch Full Episodes|url=https://tvguide.com/detail/tv-show.aspx?tvobjectid=195509&more=ucepisodelist&episodeid=20582555|publisher=TVGuide.com|accessdate=April 1, 2015}}

He was also a judge in the Miss America 2012 pageant besides Kris Jenner, Mark Ballas, and Lara Spencer. In 2015, De Molina was a panelist on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.{{Cite web|last=Nacional|first=El|title=El presentador Raúl de Molina formará parte del jurado de Miss América|url=https://elnacional.com.do/el-presentador-raul-de-molina-formara-parte-del-jurado-de-miss-america/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=El Nacional|date=December 8, 2011 |language=es}}

De Molina was prominently featured in the 2020 documentary film Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado, about the life of Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado.{{Cite web|last=Thompson|first=Avery|date=July 27, 2020|title='Mucho Mucho Amor': Raúl De Molina Reflects On Walter Mercado's Legacy — 'No One' Can Replace Him|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/07/27/mucho-mucho-amor-walter-mercado-raul-de-molina-last-interview/|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Hollywood Life|language=en-US}}

De Molina married his wife Millie de Molina in 1994, and they have a daughter named Mia.{{Cite web|last=Univision|title=La historia de amor de Raúl y Millie de Molina que 25 años después sigue intacta|url=https://www.univision.com/shows/el-gordo-y-la-flaca/la-historia-de-amor-de-raul-y-millie-de-molina-que-25-anos-despues-sigue-intacta-fotos|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Univision|language=spanish}} He travels extensively and documents his journeys through photography, and frequently vacations with his family. He is a survivor of kidney cancer, and has spoken publicly about his efforts to lose weight and improve his health.{{Cite web|last=Catron|first=Jennifer García|title=Q&A With Univsion Host El Gordo on Managing His Weight|url=https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/raul-de-molina-on-weight-loss.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=AARP|language=english}}

De Molina is an avid watch collector and his collection has been featured in The New York Times{{Cite news|last=Gomelsky|first=Victoria|date=September 11, 2019|title='I Love You Wearing Your Watches.'|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/11/fashion/watches-raul-de-molina-univision.html|access-date=September 20, 2019|issn=0362-4331}} and Hodinkee.{{Cite web|date=March 2, 2015|first=Benjamin|last=Clymer|title=Talking Watches: With Raúl de Molina|url=https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/talking-watches-with-raul-de-molina|access-date=September 20, 2019|website=HODINKEE}} He has also cultivated a collection of art and photography, which includes works by Hunt Slonem, José Bedia Valdés, Li Hongbo, Liu Bolin, Valérie Belin, Lalla Essaydi, Manuel Mendive and {{Interlanguage link|Jean-François Rauzier|fr}}.

De Molina serves on Art Basel's host committee, and his annual party is regarded as the unofficial "kick-off" event of the international exhibition show.{{cite web|date=December 10, 2009|title=Unofficial Art Basel Kick-Off Party|author=|url=http://www.hauteliving.com/2009/12/unofficial-art-basel-kick-off-party/|publisher=Haute Living|accessdate=April 1, 2015}}

He has an interest in cars, which he developed as a young teen living in Spain where he often watched car races. His personal car collection includes a special edition 2013 Mini Cooper GP, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and a 2006 Ford GT40.

De Molina has supported various philanthropic organizations, especially those related to children's health. He sponsors Voices for Children and the Miami Children's Health Foundation.{{Cite web|last=Saldana|first=Janel|date=December 31, 2015|title=Raúl 'El Gordo' De Molina Reveals Philanthropic Side, Shares Career Beginnings And New Year's Eve Plans [EXCLUSIVE]|url=https://www.latintimes.com/raul-el-gordo-de-molina-reveals-philanthropic-side-shares-career-beginnings-and-new-362350|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Latin Times|language=en}} He is an ambassador and sponsor for the Nicklaus Children's Hospital. De Molina photographed the hospital's patients and employees for its 2016 benefit calendar.{{Cite web|title=Raúl de Molina desempolva su lente de paparazzi por una buena cau|url=https://peopleenespanol.com/article/raul-de-molina-desempolva-su-lente-de-paparazzi-por-una-buena-causa/|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=People en Español|language=es}}

De Molina has received several Emmy Awards, with his most recent nomination in 2016.{{Cite web|date=March 25, 2016|title=Daytime Emmy Awards 2016 Nominations: Raúl De Molina, 'East Los High' And More Score Nods!|url=https://www.latintimes.com/daytime-emmy-awards-2016-nominations-raul-de-molina-east-los-high-and-more-score-nods-376863|access-date=September 28, 2021|website=Latin Times|language=en}} In addition, he has won three Suncoast Regional Emmys.

In 2013, he was presented with the 20 Years Career Award during the 31st TVyNovelas Awards to commemorate his career.{{Cite web|author=|date=April 28, 2013|title=Los ganadores de los Premios TVyNovelas 2013|url=http://novelasyseries.univision.com/premios-tv-y-novelas/chismes/article/2013-04-28/entrega-premios-tvynovelas-2013/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502002126/http://novelasyseries.univision.com/premios-tv-y-novelas/chismes/article/2013-04-28/entrega-premios-tvynovelas-2013/|archive-date=May 2, 2013|access-date=September 28, 2021|website=Univision|language=spanish}} He was awarded the "Outstanding Achievement in Hispanic Television" at the 14th Annual Hispanic Television Summit in 2016.{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Kage|date=July 23, 2016|title=The Source {{!}}'El Gordo y la Flaca' Scores Big at Hispanic Television Summit|url=https://thesource.com/2016/07/23/hispanic-television-summit/|access-date=September 28, 2021|website=The Source|language=en-US}}

De Molina and his cohost Lili Estefan were awarded their own stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.{{Cite web |last=Ingram |first=Hunter |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Lili Estefan and Raúl De Molina Celebrate 27 Years of Univision's 'El Gordo y la Flaca' Ahead of Walk of Fame Honor: 'This Is Opening Doors for Everyone' |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/focus/el-gordo-y-la-flaca-lili-estefan-raul-de-molina-walk-of-fame-1236320561/ |access-date=April 6, 2025 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} They were awarded their own stars on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars in 2009.{{cite web|title=exposay.com|url=http://www.exposay.com/raul-de-molina-and-lili-estefan-honored-by-the-las-vegas-walk-of-stars-with-a-celebrity-star-at-the-mandalay-hotel-on-november-3-2009/v/34083/|url-status=dead|publisher=exposay.com|accessdate=April 1, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924005119/http://www.exposay.com/raul-de-molina-and-lili-estefan-honored-by-the-las-vegas-walk-of-stars-with-a-celebrity-star-at-the-mandalay-hotel-on-november-3-2009/v/34083/|archivedate=September 24, 2015}}

• List of television presenters/Cuban American

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.univision.com/content/channel.jhtml?secid=1683 Raúl De Molina page at Univisión]
• {{facebook|rauldemolina}}
• {{IMDb name|id=0210384|name=Raúl De Molina}}

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Category:Cuban television presenters

Category:Cuban emigrants to the United States

Category:1959 births

Category:Living people

Category:American television hosts

Category:American photojournalists