Erick Kreutzberger is primarily recognized as the father of Mario Kreutzberger, who is widely known as Don Francisco. Don Francisco has gained fame as the host of a popular Spanish-speaking television game show called “Sabados Gigantes,” which originated in Chile. Additionally, Francisco has also hosted another talk show titled “Don Francisco Presenta.” Let’s delve deeper into Erick Kreutzberger’s background to learn more.
Kritzberger’s Personal Life
Erick Kreutzberger, the eldest son of Max Kreutzberger and Carolina Kreutzberger, was born on April 2, 1905, in Deutschland, Germany. He had a younger sister named Frida Kreutzberger. Erick tied the knot with Anna Kreutzberger, who was previously known as Blumenfeld Neufeld. Together, they welcomed their only son, Mario Kreutzberger Blumenfeld, into the world on December 28, 1940.
Erick Kreutzberger, hailing from German Jewish ancestry, endured the Holocaust and emerged as a survivor. His father was a German immigrant, while his mother was of Chilean descent. Erick grew up and received his education in Santiago, the capital city of Chile. After completing high school in 1941, he embarked on a professional journey, working in his father’s import-export business. During World War II, Erick Kreutzberger joined the Chilean Army and served his country. Following the war, he returned to Santiago and established his own clothing business
Don Francisco: all you need to know
Mario Luis Kreutzberger Blumenfeld, better known by his stage name Don Francisco, is a prominent Chilean television host, actor, and producer. He gained widespread recognition as the host of the Chilean version of the talent show “Sábado Gigante,” a role he held for an impressive 53 years.
Don Francisco was born on December 28, 1940, in Talka, Chile, to his parents Mario Kreutzberger and Anna Blumenfeld. His father, Mario Kreutzberger, was a German Jew who immigrated to Chile in the 1930s, while his mother, Anna Blumenfeld, had Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and hailed from Chile.
Don Francisco’s career began in his father’s clothing store. He later ventured into television, hosting various shows before securing the hosting position on “Sábado Gigante” in 1962. He continued to host the show for an incredible 53 years until its final episode aired in 2015.
Throughout his tenure on “Sábado Gigante,” Don Francisco became renowned for his charitable endeavors. He founded the Mario Kreutzberger Blumenfeld Foundation, which focuses on providing support to children and families in need. In addition, he has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1989.
Beyond his television work, Don Francisco has made appearances in several films and stage productions. His contributions have garnered him numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2013.
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While Don Francisco is currently retired from television, he remains actively involved with his foundation and UNICEF. He is also an accomplished author, with his memoir titled “Don Francisco: Memoirs of a Broadcast Legend” being published in 2016.
Result
Erick Kreutzberger passed away on April 6, 2000, at the age of 95. He was laid to rest in Santiago, Chile. Meanwhile, their son Mario Kreutzberger went on to become one of the most beloved television personalities in Chile and Latin America, gaining fame under his stage name, Don Francisco. Don Francisco is widely credited with playing a significant role in revolutionizing Chilean television, bringing it into the modern era. His humor, along with his openness to explore new formats and ideas, has endeared him to audiences throughout his career.
