Tommy Muñiz
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Tommy Muñiz (February 4, 1922 - January 15, 2009) was a Puerto Rican comedian, dramatic actor, network owner and producer. He is considered to be one of the pioneering figures of the television business in Puerto Rico.
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[edit] Early years
Muñíz (brith name:Lucas Tomás Muñiz Ramírez) was born on February 4, 1922 in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Don Tomás Muñíz Souffront and Monserrate "Nena" Ramírez. Muñíz Souffront was the owner of various radio stations and was also a radio producer. [1]
Although Muñíz was born in Ponce, he was raised in the capital city of San Juan where he studied. Muñíz developed an interest in the entertainment business thanks to his father and to his uncle and godfather Félix Muñíz, who also produced a radio program.[2]
[edit] Television career
During the 1970s, Muñiz produced and acted in a comedy series named Los García together with his real-life son Rafo Muñiz, and with longtime friend Gladys Rodríguez. The show became one of the most successful television shows on Puerto Rican television. He is also credited with discovering and promoting Otilio Warrington.[1]
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Muñiz was the owner of a radio station (Radio WLUZ) and a television channel (Teleluz) in Puerto Rico. In 1988, he became one of the largest minority owners of another channel, TeleOnce.[2]
In 1989, he and Rodríguez reunited to act in the movie Lo que le Pasó a Santiago, directed by Jacobo Morales, a longtime friend of Muñíz. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film becoming the first and only Puerto Rican film so far to do so.[1]
[edit] Personal life
Muñíz was married to Luz María García de la Noceda and they had eight children: Rafo, Ruby, Hilda, Mario, Luzie, Tomito, Manolo, Pedro and Toño. Rafo and Pedro Muñiz are both well-known actors and producers. Muñíz died January 15, 2009 in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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