Television Personality. Luis Vigoreaux Rivera is one of the most popular television entertainers in Puerto Rico's history and a pioneer in the industry. Besides being a host, he was an announcer, comedian and producer. Born one of eight children of a sugar cane laborer, he moved to San Juan to pursue his artistic dreams at age 14. With most of the country's radio personalities serving in the military during World War II, he had his chance to shine. He had a position on the radio shows "Alma Estudiantil," "El Tremendo Hotel," and "Torito and Company." Beginning in 1954, he started hosting television show such as "El Show Libby's," "El tren de la alegria," "La Hora Cero," "Sube Nene," "Sube, Pa'rriba, Papi, Pa'rriba!," and "Dale Que Dale En Domingo." He was also the host of "El Show Del Mediodia," and played the role of Pedro Navaja in the play "La Verdadera Historia De Pedro Navaja". On January 17, 1983, his Mercedes Benz was found with the charred remains of his body. Following this tragedy, Lydia Echevarria, his second wife and television personality, was accused of hiring two professional hitmen to murder him. His death led to one of the biggest trials in Puerto Rico's history. In 1986 his wife was convicted of kidnapping and the murder of her husband and sentenced to serve 208 years consecutively, but after an appeal, served 13 years and released on house arrest. He had two sons and two daughters. One of his sons, Roberto, served as a Puerto Rican Senator. One of his daughters committed suicide on July 15, 2008. In January of 2000, Governor Pedro Rosselló granted Echevarría a pardon, which was largely criticized by the people.
Television Personality. Luis Vigoreaux Rivera is one of the most popular television entertainers in Puerto Rico's history and a pioneer in the industry. Besides being a host, he was an announcer, comedian and producer. Born one of eight children of a sugar cane laborer, he moved to San Juan to pursue his artistic dreams at age 14. With most of the country's radio personalities serving in the military during World War II, he had his chance to shine. He had a position on the radio shows "Alma Estudiantil," "El Tremendo Hotel," and "Torito and Company." Beginning in 1954, he started hosting television show such as "El Show Libby's," "El tren de la alegria," "La Hora Cero," "Sube Nene," "Sube, Pa'rriba, Papi, Pa'rriba!," and "Dale Que Dale En Domingo." He was also the host of "El Show Del Mediodia," and played the role of Pedro Navaja in the play "La Verdadera Historia De Pedro Navaja". On January 17, 1983, his Mercedes Benz was found with the charred remains of his body. Following this tragedy, Lydia Echevarria, his second wife and television personality, was accused of hiring two professional hitmen to murder him. His death led to one of the biggest trials in Puerto Rico's history. In 1986 his wife was convicted of kidnapping and the murder of her husband and sentenced to serve 208 years consecutively, but after an appeal, served 13 years and released on house arrest. He had two sons and two daughters. One of his sons, Roberto, served as a Puerto Rican Senator. One of his daughters committed suicide on July 15, 2008. In January of 2000, Governor Pedro Rosselló granted Echevarría a pardon, which was largely criticized by the people.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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