Walter Mercado: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Puerto Rican astrologer}} |
{{Short description|Puerto Rican astrologer (1932–2019)}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}} |
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{{family name hatnote|Mercado|Salinas|lang=Spanish}} |
{{family name hatnote|Mercado|Salinas|lang=Spanish}} |
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| caption = Mercado in 2001 |
| caption = Mercado in 2001 |
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|birth_name=Walter Mercado Salinas |
|birth_name=Walter Mercado Salinas |
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| birth_date = {{birth date |
| birth_date = {{birth date|1932|3|9}}<ref name="loses">{{cite web|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/01/04/42755.htm|title=Puerto Rican Psychic Loses Rights to His Name|author=Barbara Leonard|publisher=Court House News Service|date=4 January 2012|access-date=11 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113054320/http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/01/04/42755.htm|archive-date=13 January 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="prpop">{{cite web|title=''Walter Mercado.''|url=http://www.prpop.org/biografias/w_bios/WalterMercado.shtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130922120150/http://www.prpop.org/biografias/w_bios/WalterMercado.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2013|publisher=Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular|access-date=17 May 2016|language=es}}</ref><ref name="imdb-most">{{cite web|title=''Most Popular People Born In "Ponce/ Puerto Rico": Walter Mercado.''|url=https://www.imdb.com/search/name?birth_place=Ponce,%20Puerto%20Rico|publisher=IMDb.com, Inc.|access-date=17 May 2016|language=es}}{{dead link|date=March 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |
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| birth_place = [[Ponce, Puerto Rico]] |
| birth_place = [[Ponce, Puerto Rico]] |
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| death_date = {{Death date and age |
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2019|11|2|1932|3|9}} |
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| death_place = [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]] |
| death_place = [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]] |
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| burial_place = Señorial Memorial Park, [[Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico]] |
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| nationality = |
| nationality = |
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| occupation = {{hlist|[[Astrologer]]|actor|dancer|writer|television personality}} |
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| training = [[University of Puerto Rico]] |
| training = [[University of Puerto Rico]] |
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| movement = [[Sanford Meisner]] |
| movement = [[Sanford Meisner]] |
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'''Walter Mercado Salinas'''<ref name="loses" /> |
'''Walter Mercado Salinas'''<ref name="loses" /> (March 9, 1932 – November 2, 2019),<ref name="loses"/><ref name="prpop" /><ref name="imdb-most">{{cite web|title=''Most Popular People Born In "Ponce/ Puerto Rico": Walter Mercado.''|url=https://www.imdb.com/search/name?birth_place=Ponce,%20Puerto%20Rico|publisher=IMDb.com, Inc.|access-date=17 May 2016|language=es}}{{dead link|date=March 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> also known by his stage name '''Shanti Ananda''', was a [[Puerto Rico|Puerto Rican]] [[astrologer]], actor, dancer, and writer, best known as a [[television personality]] for his shows as an astrologer. His astrological prediction shows began airing in [[Puerto Rico]], eventually spreading to [[Latin America]] and the [[United States]]. Walter became known as a cultural phenomenon in the [[Hispanic and Latino (ethnic categories)|Hispanic]] community. |
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== Early years == |
== Early years == |
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Mercado was born on |
Mercado was born on March 9, 1932,<ref name="imdb-most" /> in [[Ponce, Puerto Rico]],<ref name="imdb-most" /> where he spent his early childhood. His parents were José María Mercado, from [[San Germán, Puerto Rico|San Germán]], Puerto Rico, and Aída Salinas from [[Catalonia]], [[Spain]].<ref name="prpop" /> Mercado believed that he had spiritual abilities, even as a child.<ref name="McBride">{{cite web |last1=McBride |first1=Jessica |title=Walter Mercado Dead: A Tribute to the Astrologer |url=https://heavy.com/news/2019/11/walter-mercado-dead/ |website=Heavy.com |access-date=3 November 2019 |language=en |date=3 November 2019}}</ref> He attended university majoring in [[pedagogy]], [[psychology]] and [[pharmacy]], and used these skills to teach others, to study the human mind and to learn about the healing properties of [[medicinal plants]].<ref>[http://www.elnuevodia.com/fotogaleria-dewaltermercadoashantiananda-1163690.html ''De Walter Mercado a Shanti Ananda: Metamorfosis del astrólogo más famoso de América Latina.''] El Nuevo Dia. 11 January 2012. [https://web.archive.org/web/20120115210656/http://www.elnuevodia.com/fotogaleria-dewaltermercadoashantiananda-1163690.html Archived.]</ref> |
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== Professional career == |
== Professional career == |
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=== Dancing and acting === |
=== Dancing and acting === |
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Mercado Salinas studied singing and had a talent for dancing. He also studied classical and modern [[ballet]]. He was one of the most prolific dancers in Puerto Rico.<ref name="end" /> He was the dancing partner of comedian [[Velda González]].<ref name="end" /> |
Mercado Salinas studied singing and had a talent for dancing. He also studied classical and modern [[ballet]]. He was one of the most prolific dancers in Puerto Rico.<ref name="end">{{cite web |url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/fotogaleria-dewaltermercadoashantiananda-1163690.html |title=De Walter Mercado a Shanti Ananda: Metamorfosis del astrólogo más famoso de América Latina |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115210656/http://www.elnuevodia.com/fotogaleria-dewaltermercadoashantiananda-1163690.html |archive-date=15 January 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He was the dancing partner of comedian [[Velda González]].<ref name="end" /> |
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Walter Mercado worked as an actor in the 1960s Puerto Rican [[telenovela]]s ''Un adiós en el recuerdo'' (A Farewell to the Memory) and ''Larga distancia'' (Long Distance),<ref>{{Cite web|last=Redaccion|date=2019-04-11|title=Así lucía y actuaba Walter Mercado cuando hizo telenovelas|url=https://eldiariony.com/2019/11/04/asi-lucia-y-actuaba-walter-mercado-cuando-hizo-telenovelas/|access-date=2021-01-04|website=El Diario NY|language=es}}</ref> and also had a [[dramatic arts]] school called Walter Actors Studio 64.<ref name="end" /><ref name="FNCP">{{Cite web|url=https://prpop.org/2019/11/la-prolifera-carrera-de-walter-mercado/|title=La prolífera carrera de Walter Mercado [The prolific career of Walter Mercado]|publisher=[[National Foundation for Popular Culture]]location=San Juan, Puerto Rico|language=es}}</ref> |
Walter Mercado worked as an actor in the 1960s Puerto Rican [[telenovela]]s ''Un adiós en el recuerdo'' (A Farewell to the Memory) and ''Larga distancia'' (Long Distance),<ref>{{Cite web|last=Redaccion|date=2019-04-11|title=Así lucía y actuaba Walter Mercado cuando hizo telenovelas|url=https://eldiariony.com/2019/11/04/asi-lucia-y-actuaba-walter-mercado-cuando-hizo-telenovelas/|access-date=2021-01-04|website=El Diario NY|language=es}}</ref> and also had a [[dramatic arts]] school called Walter Actors Studio 64.<ref name="end" /><ref name="FNCP">{{Cite web|url=https://prpop.org/2019/11/la-prolifera-carrera-de-walter-mercado/|title=La prolífera carrera de Walter Mercado [The prolific career of Walter Mercado]|date=4 November 2019 |publisher=[[National Foundation for Popular Culture]]|location=San Juan, Puerto Rico|language=es}}</ref> |
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Puerto Rican rapper [[Bad Bunny]], samples Mercado's famous tagline in the song, 'ANTES QUE SE ACABE', from his [[2020]] album, [[El Último Tour Del Mundo|EL ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO]]. |
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=== Astrology === |
=== Astrology === |
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{{quote box |align=right |width=300px |quote=I always give the touch of love and they call me the Walter of Miracles |source=Walter Mercado to WLRN<ref name="Martinez">{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Alejandra |title=Legendary Astrologer Walter Mercado Wants You To Come Get A |
{{quote box |align=right |width=300px |quote=I always give the touch of love and they call me the Walter of Miracles |source=Walter Mercado to WLRN<ref name="Martinez">{{cite web |last1=Martinez |first1=Alejandra |title=Legendary Astrologer Walter Mercado Wants You To Come Get A 'Touch Of Love' At HistoryMiami Exhibit |url=https://www.wlrn.org/post/legendary-astrologer-walter-mercado-wants-you-come-get-touch-love-historymiami-exhibit |website=www.wlrn.org |access-date=3 November 2019 |language=en |date=August 1, 2019 |quote=I always give the touch of love and they call me the Walter of Miracles}}</ref>}} |
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His TV debut as an entertainer came when Puerto Rican producer [[Elín Ortíz]] invited him to perform on his TV show when one guest artist did not show up. Walter Mercado happened to be at the station and Ortiz asked Mercado to use the 25-minute allotment scheduled for the other guest, to make astrological predictions wearing colorful and extravagant robes. After that, Mercado was made a regular in the show making astrological predictions.<ref name="end" /> He would frequently appear in heavily decorated costumes and capes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/03/entertainment/walter-mercado-dies-trnd/index.html|title=Popular astrologer Walter Mercado dies at 87|author=Douglas Wood|website=CNN|date=3 November 2019|access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> |
His TV debut as an entertainer came when Puerto Rican producer [[Elín Ortíz]] invited him to perform on his TV show when one guest artist did not show up. Walter Mercado happened to be at the station and Ortiz asked Mercado to use the 25-minute allotment scheduled for the other guest, to make astrological predictions wearing colorful and extravagant robes. After that, Mercado was made a regular in the show making astrological predictions.<ref name="end" /> He would frequently appear in heavily decorated costumes and capes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/03/entertainment/walter-mercado-dies-trnd/index.html|title=Popular astrologer Walter Mercado dies at 87|author=Douglas Wood|website=CNN|date=3 November 2019|access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> |
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In 1970, Mercado started his regular astrology segment in [[El Show de las 12]]. He enhanced his studies with formal study into [[astrology]], [[tarot]], and other [[occult]] disciplines. Mercado hosted a weekly astrology television show at [[WKAQ-TV]], Channel 2/Telemundo. After several years, when the network changed its programming, Mercado moved his show to [[WSTE-DT|WRIK-TV]] (channel 7 in [[Ponce, Puerto Rico|Ponce]]) where he hosted it for many years.<ref name="end" /> [[Westinghouse Electric (1886)|Westinghouse]] was a steady and long-time sponsor.<ref name="prpop" /> In the 1980s, his show was seen on several TV channels throughout Latin America and the United States.<ref name="end" /> When [[Tommy Muñiz]] bought WRIK-TV, Mercado stayed for two years then moved his show to [[WKBM-TV]], Channel 11/[[Tele Once]] (later renamed [[WLII-TV]]/Univision). In addition to the TV programs, Mercado also wrote his predictions for newspapers, magazines, and web pages. He was a syndicated writer in the ''[[Miami Herald]]''.<ref name="prpop" /> He also appeared on various radio segments.<ref name="end" /> |
In 1970, Mercado started his regular astrology segment in ''[[El Show de las 12]]''. He enhanced his studies with formal study into [[astrology]], [[tarot]], and other [[occult]] disciplines. Mercado hosted a weekly astrology television show at [[WKAQ-TV]], Channel 2/Telemundo. After several years, when the network changed its programming, Mercado moved his show to [[WSTE-DT|WRIK-TV]] (channel 7 in [[Ponce, Puerto Rico|Ponce]]) where he hosted it for many years.<ref name="end" /> [[Westinghouse Electric (1886)|Westinghouse]] was a steady and long-time sponsor.<ref name="prpop" /> In the 1980s, his show was seen on several TV channels throughout Latin America and the United States.<ref name="end" /> When [[Tommy Muñiz]] bought WRIK-TV, Mercado stayed for two years then moved his show to [[WKBM-TV]], Channel 11/[[Tele Once]] (later renamed [[WLII-TV]]/Univision). In addition to the TV programs, Mercado also wrote his predictions for newspapers, magazines, and web pages. He was a syndicated writer in the ''[[Miami Herald]]''.<ref name="prpop" /> He also appeared on various radio segments.<ref name="end" /> |
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In 1986, Mercado was awarded the title ''Mr. Televisión'' by the ''Asociación de Cronistas del Espectáculo de Nueva York'' (Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York). By the end of the 1980s, Mercado had authored seven books, of which one, ''Más allá del horizonte'' (''Beyond the Horizon''), was published in |
In 1986, Mercado was awarded the title ''Mr. Televisión'' by the ''Asociación de Cronistas del Espectáculo de Nueva York'' (Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York). By the end of the 1980s, Mercado had authored seven books, of which one, ''Más allá del horizonte'' (''Beyond the Horizon''), was published in Spanish, English and Portuguese.<ref name="end" /> |
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From the mid |
From the mid-1990s until 2010, Mercado's show aired in the [[Univision]] network throughout [[the Americas]], but on 8 January 2010, after a fifteen-year relationship, he announced that he and Univision had parted ways.<ref>[http://www.primerahora.com/walter_mercado_sin_univision_en_su_futuro-356468.html ''Walter Mercado sin Univisión en su futuro.''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003071856/http://www.primerahora.com/walter_mercado_sin_univision_en_su_futuro-356468.html |date=3 October 2012 }} Ana Enid López Rodríguez. Primera Hora. 8 January 2010.</ref> He was managed by entrepreneur Bill Bakula.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://propertyintangible.com/2011/12/walter-mercado-still-losing.html|title=Walter Mercado Still Losing|work=Property, intangible®|access-date=17 June 2015|date=28 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528074313/http://propertyintangible.com/2011/12/walter-mercado-still-losing.html|archive-date=28 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2005, he was invited to appear on Welsh singer/songwriter [[Lisa Scott-Lee]]’s show ''[[Totally Scott-Lee]]'' to give her a special reading.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QjLmsH7-cpo|title=Totally Scott Lee, Episode 3|website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> From 1994 to 2009, he also appeared on ''[[Primer Impacto]]'', which airs on the Univision network in the United States. |
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Other ventures Mercado was involved with in the mid-2010s included a dating website; a line of Zodiac-themed soaps and hygiene items; and a popular personal website and app offering daily horoscopes and more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waltermercado.com/|title=Walter Mercado Sitio Oficial|author=Walter Mercado|work=waltermercado.com|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121205029/https://www.waltermercado.com/|archive-date=21 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> His eponymous website received over 1 million visits in the first month.<ref name="Línea Cautivadora">{{cite web|url=https://www.waltermercado.com/linea_cautivadora/|title=Línea Cautivadora|work=waltermercado.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315045409/https://www.waltermercado.com/linea_cautivadora |archive-date=15 March 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On a limited basis, Mercado continued to make public appearances during this time period as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waltermercado.com/walter/medios-de-comunicacion/|title=Category Archive for "Medios de Comunicación" – Walter Mercado|work=Walter Mercado|access-date=30 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617211829/https://www.waltermercado.com/walter/medios-de-comunicacion/|archive-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> |
Other ventures Mercado was involved with in the mid-2010s included a dating website; a line of Zodiac-themed soaps and hygiene items; and a popular personal website and app offering daily horoscopes and more.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waltermercado.com/|title=Walter Mercado Sitio Oficial|author=Walter Mercado|work=waltermercado.com|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121205029/https://www.waltermercado.com/|archive-date=21 November 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> His eponymous website received over 1 million visits in the first month.<ref name="Línea Cautivadora">{{cite web|url=https://www.waltermercado.com/linea_cautivadora/|title=Línea Cautivadora|work=waltermercado.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315045409/https://www.waltermercado.com/linea_cautivadora |archive-date=15 March 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On a limited basis, Mercado continued to make public appearances during this time period as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.waltermercado.com/walter/medios-de-comunicacion/|title=Category Archive for "Medios de Comunicación" – Walter Mercado|work=Walter Mercado|access-date=30 October 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617211829/https://www.waltermercado.com/walter/medios-de-comunicacion/|archive-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> |
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=== Name change and legal challenge === |
=== Name change and legal challenge === |
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In October 2010, Mercado changed his name to "Shanti Ananda", a translation in [[Sanskrit]] of "peace happiness."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celestrellas.com/2010/10/25/walter-mercado-astrologer-shanti-ananda/|title=Entretenimiento|work=HuffPost Voces|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091256/http://www.celestrellas.com/2010/10/25/walter-mercado-astrologer-shanti-ananda/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He |
In October 2010, Mercado changed his name to "Shanti Ananda", a translation in [[Sanskrit]] of "peace happiness."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.celestrellas.com/2010/10/25/walter-mercado-astrologer-shanti-ananda/|title=Entretenimiento|work=HuffPost Voces|access-date=17 June 2015|archive-date=15 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815091256/http://www.celestrellas.com/2010/10/25/walter-mercado-astrologer-shanti-ananda/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He said a "being of light" imparted a spiritual revelation to him, which he referred to as his "authentic mystic name." |
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In January 2012, Mercado lost a lawsuit against Bart Enterprises International. He was trying to prevent it from using his name and likeness in future commercial ventures. Mercado signed a contract with the company in 1995. He severed ties with the company in 2006, which resulted in litigation being filed by both parties against each other. Chief Judge [[Sandra Lynch]] of the [[United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit]] ruled that Bart Enterprises can continue using Mercado's name and likeness in future commercial projects.<ref name="loses" /> When asked about his legal case over the rights to his name, he replied, "I worked for many years, and gave some releases without thinking much about human wickedness."<ref name="noconociolamuerte">[http://www.elnuevodia.com/waltermercadoconociolamuerte-1190828.html ''Walter Mercado: Vengo de la Tumba.''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218030911/http://www.elnuevodia.com/waltermercadoconociolamuerte-1190828.html |date=18 February 2012 }} Patricia Vargas. [[El Nuevo Dia]]. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 15 February 2012. Page 74.</ref><ref name="vlex">[http://vlex.com.pr/vid/vengo-tumba-352008666 ''Vengo de la Tumba.''] vLex Puerto Rico. Retrieved 24 February 2012.</ref> |
In January 2012, Mercado lost a lawsuit against Bart Enterprises International. He was trying to prevent it from using his name and likeness in future commercial ventures. Mercado signed a contract with the company in 1995. He severed ties with the company in 2006, which resulted in litigation being filed by both parties against each other. Chief Judge [[Sandra Lynch]] of the [[United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit]] ruled that Bart Enterprises can continue using Mercado's name and likeness in future commercial projects.<ref name="loses" /> When asked about his legal case over the rights to his name, he replied, "I worked for many years, and gave some releases without thinking much about human wickedness."<ref name="noconociolamuerte">[http://www.elnuevodia.com/waltermercadoconociolamuerte-1190828.html ''Walter Mercado: Vengo de la Tumba.''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218030911/http://www.elnuevodia.com/waltermercadoconociolamuerte-1190828.html |date=18 February 2012 }} Patricia Vargas. [[El Nuevo Dia]]. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 15 February 2012. Page 74.</ref><ref name="vlex">[http://vlex.com.pr/vid/vengo-tumba-352008666 ''Vengo de la Tumba.''] vLex Puerto Rico. Retrieved 24 February 2012.</ref> |
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== Decline in health and death == |
== Decline in health and death == |
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[[File:Señorial Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|Señorial Memorial Park in Cupey is Mercado's |
[[File:Señorial Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|Señorial Memorial Park in Cupey is Mercado's burial place.]] |
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In January 2012, Mercado was flown to [[Cleveland Clinic]], Cleveland, Ohio, with [[heart|cardiac]] problems.<ref name="noconociolamuerte" /><ref name="vlex" /> He said he "had gone and seen death and came back to life again". Since the experience he said he had changed. He said he wanted to work with Puerto Rican youth, he planned to establish the Shanti Ananda foundation, create a [[mysticism|mystic]] center, and donated three of his capes to a museum. Most of his capes had already been sold at auctions.<ref name="noconociolamuerte" /><ref name="vlex" /> |
In January 2012, Mercado was flown to [[Cleveland Clinic]], Cleveland, Ohio, with [[heart|cardiac]] problems.<ref name="noconociolamuerte" /><ref name="vlex" /> He said he "had gone and seen death and came back to life again". Since the experience he said he had changed. He said he wanted to work with Puerto Rican youth, he planned to establish the Shanti Ananda foundation, create a [[mysticism|mystic]] center, and donated three of his capes to a museum. Most of his capes had already been sold at auctions.<ref name="noconociolamuerte" /><ref name="vlex" /> |
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Mercado died on the night of Saturday, |
Mercado died on the night of Saturday, November 2, 2019, at the age of 87, reportedly from [[kidney failure]], at [[Auxilio Mutuo Hospital]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], according to hospital spokeswoman Sofia Luquis.<ref name="Wood">{{cite web |last1=Wood |first1=Douglas |title=Popular astrologer Walter Mercado dies at 87 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/03/entertainment/walter-mercado-dies-trnd/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=3 November 2019 |date=3 November 2019}}</ref> He is buried at Señorial Memorial Park in [[Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Cupey barrio, San Juan, Puerto Rico]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/walter-mercado-laid-to-rest-in-puerto-rico-135937|title = Walter Mercado Laid to Rest in Puerto Rico | Entertainment Tonight}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=EFE | title=Sepultan en Puerto Rico al astrólogo Walter Mercado | website=Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra | date=2019-11-06 | url=https://www.telemundonuevainglaterra.com/noticias/noticias-destacados/le-dan-el-ultimo-adios-a-walter-mercado-en-puerto-rico/1959988/ | language=es | access-date=2020-07-13}}</ref> |
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== Accolades == |
== Accolades == |
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* Awarded ''Mr. Televisión'' title by the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York.<ref name="Walter Mercado.">[http://prpop.org/biografias/walter-mercado/ Walter Mercado. |
* Awarded ''Mr. Televisión'' title by the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York.<ref name="Walter Mercado.">[http://prpop.org/biografias/walter-mercado/ Walter Mercado.] Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 6 July 2014. Accessed 19 March 2017.</ref> |
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* Awarded ''Señor Televisión'' title at the 1972 Festival de Codazos in the Dominican Republic.<ref name="Walter Mercado." /> |
* Awarded ''Señor Televisión'' title at the 1972 Festival de Codazos in the Dominican Republic.<ref name="Walter Mercado." /> |
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* ''Ana Rosa'' (1965)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
* ''Ana Rosa'' (1965)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
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* ''La mujer de aquella noche'' (1968)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1755481/|title=La mujer de aquella noche (TV Series 1968– )|work=IMDb|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> |
* ''La mujer de aquella noche'' (1968)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1755481/|title=La mujer de aquella noche (TV Series 1968– )|work=IMDb|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> |
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* ''Recordar (1968)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
* ''Recordar'' (1968)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
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* ''Entre el puñal y la cruz'' (1969)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
* ''Entre el puñal y la cruz'' (1969)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
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* ''Una sombra'' (1970)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
* ''Una sombra'' (1970)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
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* ''La intrusa'' (1970)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
* ''La intrusa'' (1970)<ref name="Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado" /> |
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* ''Renzo el gitano'' (1971)<ref name="Walter Mercado, Celebrity Astrologer, Is Dead">{{cite news |last1=E. Garcia |first1=Sandra |title=Walter Mercado, Celebrity Astrologer, Is Dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/03/world/americas/walter-mercado-dead.html |newspaper=[[NY Times]] |access-date=4 November 2019|date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> |
* ''Renzo el gitano'' (1971)<ref name="Walter Mercado, Celebrity Astrologer, Is Dead">{{cite news |last1=E. Garcia |first1=Sandra |title=Walter Mercado, Celebrity Astrologer, Is Dead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/03/world/americas/walter-mercado-dead.html |newspaper=[[NY Times]] |access-date=4 November 2019|date=3 November 2019 }}</ref> |
||
* ''[[Totally Scott-Lee]]'' (2005)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QjLmsH7-cpo|title=Totally Scott-Lee, Episode 3}}</ref> |
* ''[[Totally Scott-Lee]]'' (2005)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QjLmsH7-cpo|title=Totally Scott-Lee, Episode 3|website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> |
||
* [[Doritos]] advertisement ([[PepsiCo]], 2016)<ref name="Walter Mercado Has Just Blessed Us With This Doritos Commercial">{{cite web |last1=Ochoa |first1=Mariana |title=Walter Mercado Has Just Blessed Us With This Doritos Commercial |url=https://www.vix.com/en/pop-culture/526740/walter-mercado-has-just-blessed-us-with-this-doritos-commercial |website=Vix |access-date=4 November 2019}}</ref> |
* [[Doritos]] advertisement ([[PepsiCo]], 2016)<ref name="Walter Mercado Has Just Blessed Us With This Doritos Commercial">{{cite web |last1=Ochoa |first1=Mariana |title=Walter Mercado Has Just Blessed Us With This Doritos Commercial |url=https://www.vix.com/en/pop-culture/526740/walter-mercado-has-just-blessed-us-with-this-doritos-commercial |website=Vix |access-date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=4 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104012718/https://www.vix.com/en/pop-culture/526740/walter-mercado-has-just-blessed-us-with-this-doritos-commercial |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
||
=== Theatre === |
=== Theatre === |
||
<small>Source:</small><ref name="Walter Mercado - Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular">{{cite web |title=Walter Mercado |url=https://prpop.org/biografias/walter-mercado/ |website=Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular |access-date=4 November 2019 |language=es}}</ref> |
<small>Source:</small><ref name="Walter Mercado - Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular">{{cite web |title=Walter Mercado |url=https://prpop.org/biografias/walter-mercado/ |website=Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular |access-date=4 November 2019 |language=es}}</ref> |
||
* ''Anastasia'' |
* ''[[Anastasia (ballet)|Anastasia]]'' |
||
* ''Bodas de sangre'' |
* ''[[Blood Wedding|Bodas de sangre]]'' |
||
* ''La dama de las camelias'' |
* ''[[The Lady of the Camellias|La dama de las camelias]]'' |
||
* ''Androcles y el león'' |
* ''[[Androcles and the Lion (play)|Androcles y el león]]'' |
||
* ''Los cuatro coroneles'' |
* ''[[The Love of Four Colonels|Los cuatro coroneles]]'' |
||
* ''El tríptico de amor, dolor y muerte'' |
* ''El tríptico de amor, dolor y muerte'' |
||
* ''Todos los hijos de Dios tienen alas'' (1960) |
* ''[[All God's Chillun Got Wings (play)|Todos los hijos de Dios tienen alas]]'' (1960) |
||
* ''Look Back in Anger |
* ''[[Look Back in Anger|Mirando hacia atrás con ira]]'' (1970) |
||
=== Discography === |
=== Discography === |
||
Line 100: | Line 98: | ||
* ''Una mujer sin precio'' (1966) (choreographer)<ref name="Actuación, danza y la historia detrás de la fama de Walter Mercado que no conocías">{{cite web |last1=Olivares |first1=Vianey |title=Actuación, danza y la historia detrás de la fama de Walter Mercado que no conocías |url=https://culturacolectiva.com/entretenimiento/la-historia-detras-de-como-walter-mercado-se-convirtio-en-un-astrologo-famoso |website=Cultura Coletiva |access-date=4 November 2019 |language=es|date=14 February 2019 }}</ref> |
* ''Una mujer sin precio'' (1966) (choreographer)<ref name="Actuación, danza y la historia detrás de la fama de Walter Mercado que no conocías">{{cite web |last1=Olivares |first1=Vianey |title=Actuación, danza y la historia detrás de la fama de Walter Mercado que no conocías |url=https://culturacolectiva.com/entretenimiento/la-historia-detras-de-como-walter-mercado-se-convirtio-en-un-astrologo-famoso |website=Cultura Coletiva |access-date=4 November 2019 |language=es|date=14 February 2019 }}</ref> |
||
* ''Hoy'' (2003)<ref>[http://www.movies.kngine.com/person.ashx?id=ia:0580184 KNGINE Movies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425032010/http://www.movies.kngine.com/person.ashx?id=ia%3A0580184 |date=25 April 2012 }}</ref> |
* ''Hoy'' (2003)<ref>[http://www.movies.kngine.com/person.ashx?id=ia:0580184 KNGINE Movies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425032010/http://www.movies.kngine.com/person.ashx?id=ia%3A0580184 |date=25 April 2012 }}</ref> |
||
* ''[[Chasing Papi]]'' (2003)<ref>[http://www.filmannex.com/movie/chasing-papi/7016 FILM Annex] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513181050/http://www.filmannex.com/movie/chasing-papi/7016 |date=13 May 2012 }}</ref> |
* ''[[Chasing Papi]]'' (cameo, 2003)<ref>[http://www.filmannex.com/movie/chasing-papi/7016 FILM Annex] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513181050/http://www.filmannex.com/movie/chasing-papi/7016 |date=13 May 2012 }}</ref> |
||
* ''[[Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado]]'' (posthumous [[Netflix]] documentary, 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elvocero.com/escenario/vida-misterio-y-mucho-amor-en-documental-de-walter-mercado/article_67d3c730-c160-11ea-81ae-e3456c289311.html|title = Vida, misterio y mucho amor en documental de Walter Mercado}}</ref> |
* ''[[Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado]]'' (posthumous [[Netflix]] documentary, 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elvocero.com/escenario/vida-misterio-y-mucho-amor-en-documental-de-walter-mercado/article_67d3c730-c160-11ea-81ae-e3456c289311.html|title = Vida, misterio y mucho amor en documental de Walter Mercado| date=8 July 2020 }}</ref> |
||
=== Books === |
=== Books === |
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* [[List of people from Ponce, Puerto Rico]] |
* [[List of people from Ponce, Puerto Rico]] |
||
{{clear}} |
{{clear}} |
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== Notes == |
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{{notelist}} |
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== References == |
== References == |
Latest revision as of 03:35, 3 December 2024
Walter Mercado | |
---|---|
Born | Walter Mercado Salinas March 9, 1932[1][2][3] |
Died | November 2, 2019 | (aged 87)
Burial place | Señorial Memorial Park, Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico |
Education | University of Puerto Rico |
Occupations |
|
Movement | Sanford Meisner |
Awards | Mr. Televisión (N.Y.C.) Señor Televisión (D.R.) |
Walter Mercado Salinas[1] (March 9, 1932 – November 2, 2019),[1][2][3] also known by his stage name Shanti Ananda, was a Puerto Rican astrologer, actor, dancer, and writer, best known as a television personality for his shows as an astrologer. His astrological prediction shows began airing in Puerto Rico, eventually spreading to Latin America and the United States. Walter became known as a cultural phenomenon in the Hispanic community.
Early years
[edit]Mercado was born on March 9, 1932,[3] in Ponce, Puerto Rico,[3] where he spent his early childhood. His parents were José María Mercado, from San Germán, Puerto Rico, and Aída Salinas from Catalonia, Spain.[2] Mercado believed that he had spiritual abilities, even as a child.[4] He attended university majoring in pedagogy, psychology and pharmacy, and used these skills to teach others, to study the human mind and to learn about the healing properties of medicinal plants.[5]
Professional career
[edit]Dancing and acting
[edit]Mercado Salinas studied singing and had a talent for dancing. He also studied classical and modern ballet. He was one of the most prolific dancers in Puerto Rico.[6] He was the dancing partner of comedian Velda González.[6]
Walter Mercado worked as an actor in the 1960s Puerto Rican telenovelas Un adiós en el recuerdo (A Farewell to the Memory) and Larga distancia (Long Distance),[7] and also had a dramatic arts school called Walter Actors Studio 64.[6][8]
Astrology
[edit]I always give the touch of love and they call me the Walter of Miracles
His TV debut as an entertainer came when Puerto Rican producer Elín Ortíz invited him to perform on his TV show when one guest artist did not show up. Walter Mercado happened to be at the station and Ortiz asked Mercado to use the 25-minute allotment scheduled for the other guest, to make astrological predictions wearing colorful and extravagant robes. After that, Mercado was made a regular in the show making astrological predictions.[6] He would frequently appear in heavily decorated costumes and capes.[10]
In 1970, Mercado started his regular astrology segment in El Show de las 12. He enhanced his studies with formal study into astrology, tarot, and other occult disciplines. Mercado hosted a weekly astrology television show at WKAQ-TV, Channel 2/Telemundo. After several years, when the network changed its programming, Mercado moved his show to WRIK-TV (channel 7 in Ponce) where he hosted it for many years.[6] Westinghouse was a steady and long-time sponsor.[2] In the 1980s, his show was seen on several TV channels throughout Latin America and the United States.[6] When Tommy Muñiz bought WRIK-TV, Mercado stayed for two years then moved his show to WKBM-TV, Channel 11/Tele Once (later renamed WLII-TV/Univision). In addition to the TV programs, Mercado also wrote his predictions for newspapers, magazines, and web pages. He was a syndicated writer in the Miami Herald.[2] He also appeared on various radio segments.[6]
In 1986, Mercado was awarded the title Mr. Televisión by the Asociación de Cronistas del Espectáculo de Nueva York (Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York). By the end of the 1980s, Mercado had authored seven books, of which one, Más allá del horizonte (Beyond the Horizon), was published in Spanish, English and Portuguese.[6]
From the mid-1990s until 2010, Mercado's show aired in the Univision network throughout the Americas, but on 8 January 2010, after a fifteen-year relationship, he announced that he and Univision had parted ways.[11] He was managed by entrepreneur Bill Bakula.[12] In 2005, he was invited to appear on Welsh singer/songwriter Lisa Scott-Lee’s show Totally Scott-Lee to give her a special reading.[13] From 1994 to 2009, he also appeared on Primer Impacto, which airs on the Univision network in the United States.
Other ventures Mercado was involved with in the mid-2010s included a dating website; a line of Zodiac-themed soaps and hygiene items; and a popular personal website and app offering daily horoscopes and more.[14] His eponymous website received over 1 million visits in the first month.[15] On a limited basis, Mercado continued to make public appearances during this time period as well.[16]
Name change and legal challenge
[edit]In October 2010, Mercado changed his name to "Shanti Ananda", a translation in Sanskrit of "peace happiness."[17] He said a "being of light" imparted a spiritual revelation to him, which he referred to as his "authentic mystic name."
In January 2012, Mercado lost a lawsuit against Bart Enterprises International. He was trying to prevent it from using his name and likeness in future commercial ventures. Mercado signed a contract with the company in 1995. He severed ties with the company in 2006, which resulted in litigation being filed by both parties against each other. Chief Judge Sandra Lynch of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that Bart Enterprises can continue using Mercado's name and likeness in future commercial projects.[1] When asked about his legal case over the rights to his name, he replied, "I worked for many years, and gave some releases without thinking much about human wickedness."[18][19]
Personal life
[edit]In 2003, he announced that he maintained a "spiritual relationship" with the Brazilian actress and dancer Mariette Detotto, with whom he shared a TV program. In archival and recent interview clips on his life shown in a 2020 documentary, Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado, Mercado defined himself as androgynous and insisted that the primary relationship of his life was with his fans; he also joked about being a virgin into his 80s. He always maintained his residence in Puerto Rico.[6]
Decline in health and death
[edit]In January 2012, Mercado was flown to Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, with cardiac problems.[18][19] He said he "had gone and seen death and came back to life again". Since the experience he said he had changed. He said he wanted to work with Puerto Rican youth, he planned to establish the Shanti Ananda foundation, create a mystic center, and donated three of his capes to a museum. Most of his capes had already been sold at auctions.[18][19]
Mercado died on the night of Saturday, November 2, 2019, at the age of 87, reportedly from kidney failure, at Auxilio Mutuo Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to hospital spokeswoman Sofia Luquis.[20] He is buried at Señorial Memorial Park in Cupey barrio, San Juan, Puerto Rico.[21][22]
Accolades
[edit]- Awarded Mr. Televisión title by the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York.[23]
- Awarded Señor Televisión title at the 1972 Festival de Codazos in the Dominican Republic.[23]
Works
[edit]Television
[edit]- Historia de mi vida (1963)[24]
- Ana Rosa (1965)[24]
- La mujer de aquella noche (1968)[25]
- Recordar (1968)[24]
- Entre el puñal y la cruz (1969)[24]
- Una sombra (1970)[24]
- La intrusa (1970)[24]
- Renzo el gitano (1971)[26]
- Totally Scott-Lee (2005)[27]
- Doritos advertisement (PepsiCo, 2016)[28]
Theatre
[edit]Source:[29]
- Anastasia
- Bodas de sangre
- La dama de las camelias
- Androcles y el león
- Los cuatro coroneles
- El tríptico de amor, dolor y muerte
- Todos los hijos de Dios tienen alas (1960)
- Mirando hacia atrás con ira (1970)
Discography
[edit]Source:[29]
- Walter '84 (1984)
- Walter '86 (1986, Sonotone)
- Walter Mercado (1986)
- Guía para una vida mejor (1997)
Filmography
[edit]- Una mujer sin precio (1966) (choreographer)[30]
- Hoy (2003)[31]
- Chasing Papi (cameo, 2003)[32]
- Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado (posthumous Netflix documentary, 2020)[33]
Books
[edit]- Mensajes Para Vivir, co-authored with Dr. Leon Alberto Vasquez (unknown date)[34]
- Enciclopedia De Walter Mercado (Tomo 1) (1983)[35]
- Más allá del horizonte (Beyond the Horizon: Visions of the New Millennium) (1997)[36]
- Guia Para Una Vida Mejor (1997)[37]
- El Mundo secreto de Walter Mercado (Spanish Edition) (2010)[38]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Barbara Leonard (4 January 2012). "Puerto Rican Psychic Loses Rights to His Name". Court House News Service. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Walter Mercado." (in Spanish). Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular. Archived from the original on 22 September 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Most Popular People Born In "Ponce/ Puerto Rico": Walter Mercado." (in Spanish). IMDb.com, Inc. Retrieved 17 May 2016.[dead link ]
- ^ McBride, Jessica (3 November 2019). "Walter Mercado Dead: A Tribute to the Astrologer". Heavy.com. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ De Walter Mercado a Shanti Ananda: Metamorfosis del astrólogo más famoso de América Latina. El Nuevo Dia. 11 January 2012. Archived.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "De Walter Mercado a Shanti Ananda: Metamorfosis del astrólogo más famoso de América Latina". Archived from the original on 15 January 2012.
- ^ Redaccion (11 April 2019). "Así lucía y actuaba Walter Mercado cuando hizo telenovelas". El Diario NY (in Spanish). Retrieved 4 January 2021.
- ^ "La prolífera carrera de Walter Mercado [The prolific career of Walter Mercado]" (in Spanish). San Juan, Puerto Rico: National Foundation for Popular Culture. 4 November 2019.
- ^ Martinez, Alejandra (1 August 2019). "Legendary Astrologer Walter Mercado Wants You To Come Get A 'Touch Of Love' At HistoryMiami Exhibit". www.wlrn.org. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
I always give the touch of love and they call me the Walter of Miracles
- ^ Douglas Wood (3 November 2019). "Popular astrologer Walter Mercado dies at 87". CNN. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
- ^ Walter Mercado sin Univisión en su futuro. Archived 3 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine Ana Enid López Rodríguez. Primera Hora. 8 January 2010.
- ^ "Walter Mercado Still Losing". Property, intangible®. 28 December 2011. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ "Totally Scott Lee, Episode 3". YouTube.
- ^ Walter Mercado. "Walter Mercado Sitio Oficial". waltermercado.com. Archived from the original on 21 November 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
- ^ "Línea Cautivadora". waltermercado.com. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015.
- ^ "Category Archive for "Medios de Comunicación" – Walter Mercado". Walter Mercado. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
- ^ "Entretenimiento". HuffPost Voces. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ a b c Walter Mercado: Vengo de la Tumba. Archived 18 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine Patricia Vargas. El Nuevo Dia. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 15 February 2012. Page 74.
- ^ a b c Vengo de la Tumba. vLex Puerto Rico. Retrieved 24 February 2012.
- ^ Wood, Douglas (3 November 2019). "Popular astrologer Walter Mercado dies at 87". CNN. Retrieved 3 November 2019.
- ^ "Walter Mercado Laid to Rest in Puerto Rico | Entertainment Tonight".
- ^ EFE (6 November 2019). "Sepultan en Puerto Rico al astrólogo Walter Mercado". Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 July 2020.
- ^ a b Walter Mercado. Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 6 July 2014. Accessed 19 March 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f "Muere el astrólogo Walter Mercado". Primera Hora (in Spanish). 3 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ "La mujer de aquella noche (TV Series 1968– )". IMDb. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ E. Garcia, Sandra (3 November 2019). "Walter Mercado, Celebrity Astrologer, Is Dead". NY Times. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ "Totally Scott-Lee, Episode 3". YouTube.
- ^ Ochoa, Mariana. "Walter Mercado Has Just Blessed Us With This Doritos Commercial". Vix. Archived from the original on 4 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ a b "Walter Mercado". Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular (in Spanish). Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ Olivares, Vianey (14 February 2019). "Actuación, danza y la historia detrás de la fama de Walter Mercado que no conocías". Cultura Coletiva (in Spanish). Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ KNGINE Movies Archived 25 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ FILM Annex Archived 13 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Vida, misterio y mucho amor en documental de Walter Mercado". 8 July 2020.
- ^ Mercado, Walter; Vasquez, Dr. Leon Alberto (1988). Mensajes Para Vivir. SIBI. ISBN 0918901618.
- ^ Mercado, Walter (1983). Enciclopedia De Walter Mercado (Tomo 1). Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ Mercado, Walter (1997). Mas alla del horizonte: Visiones del nuevo milenio (in Spanish). Grijalbo / Tres Lunas. ISBN 9700508439.
- ^ Mercado, Walter (1997). Guia Para Una Vida Mejor. Sony Music. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
- ^ Mercado, Walter (20 April 2010). El mundo secreto de Walter Mercado (Spanish ed.). Spain: Rayo. ISBN 978-0061780059.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Walter Mercado at IMDb
- Garcia-Navarro, Lulu (12 July 2020). "Netflix Documentary Captures Life Of Astrologer And Fashion Icon Walter Mercado". NPR.org. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
- Walter Mercado on Netflix