JOSE MIGUEL AGRELOT

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jose Miguel Agrelot was a radio and television host, stand-up comedian, and media icon.

He was best known as “Don Cholito,” just one of more than 200 different characters he developed during his lifetime. Getting his start in radio at the ripe age of 14 years old, Agrelot had a knack for developing comedic characters that audiences would embrace. His first comedic character, “Torito Fuertes,” was the mischievous eight-year-old in a family comedy show sponsored by Borden’s evaporated milk. The character became so popular that it later became the main character in its own radio show called “El Professor Colgate.”

Before graduating from the University of Puerto Rico, Agrelot developed, produced, and hosted his own morning radio show entitled Alegre Despertar (Your Joyful Awakening). In 2003 his radio show received the World Record award from the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest-running “active” radio show. At the time of his death, the program was celebrating its 54th year on WLUZ-AM in Puerto Rico. He was known for his physical comedy, outstanding media career, and community service.

Jose Miguel Agrelot died on January 28, 2004.

He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2009.