Spain’s first television presenter, Laura Valenzuela, dies at 92
Laura Valenzuela, a pioneering figure in Spanish television, passed away this Friday at the age of 92. Her career helped shape the early decades of broadcasting in Spain, and she remains a landmark figure for generations of viewers who grew up with her on the screen. Valenzuela was among the first hosts on TVE during a period of intense change, and she anchored several programs that became staples of Spanish homes, especially during the 1960s and 1970s. Her presence helped define what it meant to be a television presenter in a country still finding its voice in mass media.
Her reach extended beyond studio hosting. Valenzuela contributed to popular entertainment formats and became the face associated with a range of shows that attracted large audiences. Alongside colleagues such as Joaquín Prat, she helped introduce and popularize segments that mixed information with lighthearted, engaging content. Notable programs included discussions on current affairs, audience questions, and family-friendly gala events. Her versatility and warmth made her a trusted figure in Spanish households during those formative years of television.
The public broadcaster valued her star power sufficiently to enlist her for major moments, including the national broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969, following Massiel’s historic victory with La La La. That edition marked one of Spain’s enduring records in the competition and underscored Valenzuela’s position as a leading host capable of guiding large-scale live events with poise. Her involvement in Eurovision is remembered as a defining moment in Spain’s televised cultural history. (Citation: TV history archives)
In the later stages of her career, Valenzuela remained a familiar face on Spanish television. She hosted flagship programs that mixed talk, entertainment, and daily news, contributing to the channel’s identity during a period of rapid expansion in private broadcasting. Programs like Telecinco, Tell Me?, Sleep Is Over, Give Yourself a Break, Las mañanas de Tele 5 with José María Íñigo, and Dear Spain became emblematic of her versatility and enduring appeal. She also starred in specials that aired during the early 1990s, including memorable chimes that resonated with audiences across the country. (Citation: TV history archives)
Valenzuela’s influence extended into major milestone moments for Spanish television. She hosted the 50th anniversary celebration of TVE, a landmark event that featured other prominent figures and reinforced her status as a television pioneer who helped lay the groundwork for later generations of hosts. The long arc of her career showcased how a presenter could evolve with the medium while maintaining a genuine connection with viewers. (Citation: TV history archives)
Over the years, Valenzuela earned several prestigious recognitions that underscored her contribution to the art and industry of television. She received prominent awards such as the Ondas Award and the Antena de Oro, along with recognition from the TP de Oro and the Toda una Vida Film Award honoring her impact on Spanish culture. In 2012, she was honored with the Television Academy’s Lifetime Award, a testament to a career that spanned multiple generations and left an imprint on the country’s screen heritage. (Citation: TV history archives)
Laura Valenzuela’s legacy lies not only in the programs she hosted but in the way she helped define the role of a television presenter in Spain. Her work bridged the era of nationalized broadcasting with modern entertainment formats, and her unmistakable presence contributed to shaping a shared cultural memory for Spanish audiences. Her career serves as a reference point for performers who followed, illustrating how charisma, reliability, and a deep connection with viewers can endure across decades. (Citation: TV history archives)