Luis Jimenez, experto en comedia, albures, parodias y en entrevistar a celebridades

WHO IS LUIS JIMÉNEZ?

One of the most versatile and charismatic Latino entertainment superstars in the United States, Luis Jimenez boasts a solid-gold career on radio, film, stage, and television.

Known for his unique brand of irreverent humor and impeccable comic timing, he reaches millions of listeners each day through The Luis Jimenez Show (Univision Radio), the number one Spanish morning radio program in the nation.  The edgy show that airs live from New York, makes listeners laugh while at the same time getting the latest wacky news from around the world, comedy sketches and song parodies that feature original zany characters, celebrity interviews, and daily topics.

Hailed by audiences as “the best way to wake up in the mornings,” The Luis Jimenez Show hit the airwaves on Univision Radio in 2007, following a history-making 13-year stint in WSKQ-FM as “El Vacilón de la Mañana” (Morning Jam).  The show based on a concept created earlier by Jimenez in Orlando, Florida, grew to become the most listened to radio program in New York, the most listened to Spanish morning radio program in the nation, and the number one radio morning show online.

During the show’s nearly two-decade run (in both Univision Radio and WSKQ-FM), Jimenez and his colorful morning crew have welcomed a stellar list of celebrity guests that includes Benicio del Toro, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Jimmy Smits, Geraldo Rivera, Andy Garcia, Danny Trejo, Steven Bauer, Emilio Estefan,  Juan Luis Guerra, and John Leguizamo. Non-Spanish speaking guests include Donald Trump, Dr. Ruth, Benjamin Bratt Magic Johnson, and Don King.

His radio host success has led Jimenez to venture into other media, recording four comedy albums.  The first one, "Tortilla Party", was nominated for a prestigious Billboard Latin Music Award, marking the first time a radio personality received such honor.

In 2005, Jimenez brought his morning mayhem to the silver screen with "El Vacilón: The Movie."  The feature had a nine-week run in limited release, and the DVD version was successfully released in January 2007.  That year Jimenez returned to film in “Wonderful Christmas/Feliz Navidad,” a family comedy opposite Giselle Blondet. 

Passionate about interacting with his audience, and performing live, Jimenez has crossed-over to the stage forging a strong track in Stand-up Comedy. He has sold out engagements at Carolines, the Comedy Garden at Madison Square Garden, and the New York Comedy Festival. In March 2002 his act was the first Latin comedy show to play The Garden, the world-renowned sports, entertainment, and comedy-club complex.  Jimenez will return to the New York Comedy Festival in November 2010 with “Luis Jimenez Live: Sin Cortina,” a new solo show at Manhattan Center.

His down-to-earth style and ability to connect with his audience, have also made Jimenez a television household name. For more than four years he hosted two variety programs, "Sábado 47" and "WEPA!", which he also created and produced. In addition, he is currently the voice of HBO Latino and The History Channel en Español.

Jimenez's rise to fame has been profiled in multiple international media including The New Yorker, Media Week, The New York Times, The New York Daily News, CNN, CBS-TV, ABC-TV, NBC-TV, Fuji TV Japan, BBC, CBS' TheShowbuzz.com, Telemundo, Univision, Crain’s, and Penthouse, among others.

As a child growing up in Puerto Rico, Jimenez was fascinated with radio. At age six, his father offered to take him to Disney World, but he turned down the gift and asked if he could visit a radio station instead. Jimenez took his first steps in broadcasting as a part-timer in Puerto Rican radio.

In 1989 he moved to Orlando, Florida, to work in a local radio station where a friend had become Program Director.  To make ends meet he had to take a part time maintenance job, while keeping his position on the air.

It was only a matter of time before his charisma, wit and talent won him the hearts of the Hispanic community of Orlando, and in 1993, invitation arrived to move to New York to host the morning show on WSKQ-FM. On August 9, 1993, “El Vacilón” hit the airwaves launching a new era for Jimenez and Spanish radio in the nation.

For his dedication, tireless determination, and example in overcoming obstacles and reaching success, Jimenez has received many honors including Godfather of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in 2003. The official announcement was made during his radio program by U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton.

Nevertheless, for this beloved entertainer, president of his own production companies Luis Jimenez Productions and J Media, the greatest prize of all is his Family, who are his pride and joy, and his loyal fans and listeners. It's to them that he dedicates his success!

© 2012 Univision Communications Inc.