Legendary Puerto Rican Astrologer and TV personality, Walter Mercado, has died at the age of 87. He died on Saturday night in an hospital in juan, Puerto Rico due to kidney failure, TMZ had reported.
The report added that according to the facility’s spokesperson, Sofia Luquis, who spoke to AP, It’s unclear how long he has been hospitalised there and what exact ailment he was battling with, as such information was never revealed.
The sad news, without doubt, is a major loss in the Spanish community as Walter Mercado was a staple in many Latino homes through the ’80s, ’90s and onward. He got his start on TV in his native land of Puerto Rico, establishing himself with daily horoscopes, advice and predictions.
He eventually, he got his own show on Univision, where he had a home for years before parting ways in 2010 and moving on to other Spanish networks. He was known for his lavish outfits, which often included robes, capes, jewelry, makeup and other extravagant accessories, TMZ report stated.
While he never came out and announced his sexual preferences, Mercado was a bit of a hero in the LGBTQ community with many viewing him as a trend-setter on Spanish TV, which had often leaned more conservative. He had no children, and no known partners.
In 2012, Mercado was rushed to a Cleveland area hospital for cardiac problems after which, he claimed he has seen death wanting to devote himself to philanthropic causes.
Mercado had a known catchphrase he always end his horoscope segments with. It went like “Que reciban de mi siempre pas, mucha pas. Pero sobre todo, mucho, mucho, mucho amor.” It translates to, “May you always receive peace from me, but above all else … lots and lots of love”, the TMZ report added.
Since the announcement, tributes have been pouring in from his fans around the world. May his soul rest in peace.