ABOVE: Walter Mercado (Screenshot from Netflix’s YouTube.)
Netflix paid homage to Walter Mercado, the gender-bending Puerto Rican astrologer who captivated television audiences across Latin America and the United States, with the recent release of a revealing documentary.
“Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado,” released July 8, explores Mercado’s time in the public eye and why he “vanished at the peak of his fame,” according to Netflix.
Initially finding success as a soap opera actor, Mercado rose to prominence after unexpectedly launching a career as a TV astrologer in the early 1970s. His programs were broadcast on Spanish television networks Telemundo and Univision. According to HistoryMiami Museum, Mercado’s horoscope readings “reached 120 million Latino viewers a day for more than 30 years.”
Described as a “a peacock in a macho culture,” Mercado was known for his gender-nonconforming appearance, often dressing in extravagant robes or capes.
As one commentator in the documentary succinctly speaks to Mercado’s affinity for androgyny: “he looks like a woman, sometimes he looks like a man.”
Musical theater composer and “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda appears in the film and comments on Mercado’s impact in creating a more inclusive world for people who stray from the norm.
“Through Walter Mercado’s existence, we have a greater acceptance for people around us,” Miranda said.
Watching Lin-Manuel Miranda get to meet Walter Mercado — and try on his cape! — is merely one of the highlights in the all-around sublime documentary Mucho Mucho Amor pic.twitter.com/gxyiNjdrbS
— Netflix (@netflix) July 8, 2020
Mercado’s enduring influence can be seen in the latest season of the reality television series “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” Contestant Alexis Mateo impersonated Mercado for a challenge entitled the Snatch Game of Love, which requires the drag queen contestants to impersonate iconic figures in popular culture.
Fans have also been responding positively to the documentary since its initial release. Twitter user RC3ard said the film made them “feel good about life in a way not much has lately,” while LatinxStories hopes that the film’s success inspires greater Hispanic representation within the entertainment industry.
I adored this documentary and can’t recommend it enough. It made me feel good about life in a way not much has lately #MuchoMuchoAmor @netflix https://t.co/SSAEz3MENx
— RC Ward (@RC3ard) July 16, 2020
I hope the success of this documentary will push @netflix (and others in Hollywood) to fix this shocking disparity. #representationmattershttps://t.co/kCqEtujV3w
— An Ónima (@LatinxStories) July 18, 2020
Mercado passed away in November 2019 due to apparent kidney failure.
“Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado” is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Watch the trailer for the docufilm below.
