Walter Mercado: Latinx Superhero

Walter Mercado was more than just a flamboyant TV astrologer, he was considered a Latino Superhero. Walter Mercado, also known as Shanti Ananda, was a Puerto Rican actor and dancer before becoming the famous astrologer we remember today. Walter was not only respected, he was also welcomed into the homes of millions all over the world – including the sceptics and religious elders – for bringing peace and reassurance for a better tomorrow. 

Without a doubt, Walter Mercado was a charismatic individual who stole the attention of the world with his hand gestures, body language, oversized rings and his iconic bedazzled capes. His 15 minute segments on Primer Impacto, a Spanish television news program, was considered a welcome interruption from the day-to-day chaos for millions of Latinx households. As a result, gathering around the television quietly waiting for Walter Mercado to talk to us about our astrological signs became a daily routine for many. A ritual-like experience, to say the least.

Though Walter Mercado never identified as queer, he seemed to have rejected all machismo behavior at an early age. As it turns out, Walter was a timid kid who did not “fit in” with other kids his age. His mother, aware of the situation, encouraged him to express himself openly. Netflix’s Walter Mercado documentary, Mucho Mucho Amor, touches on his love life and at one point mentions “I have sexuality with the wind” and “I have sex with life.” Without saying too much, Walter said “Lo que se ve no se pregunta” (What you can see, you don’t ask about). Whether or not this was a confirmation of his sexual preferences, he taught his viewers everything there is to know about self-love and loving life unapologetically.

Sadly, the iconic astrologer passed away on El Dia De Los Muertos, November 2nd, 2019, but his legacy will live on forever.  Que en paz descanse, con mucho mucho amor.