GAYLETTER

Circa 1971.

1. Make the outside look like the inside.
Color-coordinated pantsuits, sequined capes, opulent jewelry, lacquered – on makeup, and hair that was feathered to perfection: Walter’s look was unforgettable. Off-camera, he was more casual but no less glamorous. Even in later years as he contended with old age and failing health, Walter made sure he always looked on the outside, the way he felt on the inside. Once during filming, his newborn grand-niece was brought to meet him, but Walter wouldn’t allow the newborn to see him until he had on a full face of makeup. As I think back on it, I don’t think it was mere vanity. The effort he put into the way he looked, helped him feel better about himself. It told everyone that he knew they were expecting to see ‘Walter Mercado’ and that he cared enough about them to deliver.

2. Leave no space for negativity.
Our film told Walter’s story from his humble beginnings in rural Puerto Rico to his unprecedented superstardom. We also covered his acrimonious legal battle with his former manager and his subsequent disappearance from the limelight. Of all our questions, the ones about this period were the hardest to get Walter to answer. In fact we even had to enlist his family to urge him to be more forthright. Ultimately, his reluctance stemmed from the fact that Walter never dwelled on the bad. Even in discussing his former manager, he spoke with love about the good times. Those were the memories he held on to. He only focused on the positive. Walter had made the decision to leave no space in his life for negativity.

3. Everyone is a star, make sure they know it.
Unsurprisingly, Walter had a big ego. His walls were adorned with portraits of himself, and he’d delight in regaling you with stories of his success. Yet, for all his self-confidence, Walter was never the most important person in the room: you were, and he made sure you knew it. He had the ability to make you feel like the star, giving you his utmost attention and all of his energy. You felt like the only person in the room that mattered to him. Whether on-set or at a restaurant, Walter made sure to acknowledge and thank every person he encountered. He wanted to make sure you knew that he saw you and that you mattered. Yes, Walter clearly loved himself, but he always loved you more.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Walter wasn’t just entertaining, he was brilliant. He could talk authoritatively about theology, world history, sexuality, or astrology. His home was full of books on every subject; all of which he had read. Even his aesthetic was a brilliant calculation which he knew would draw viewers in. Yet despite his smarts and outsized ego, he never took himself too seriously. He was the first one to poke fun at himself, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye. What he never took lightly was his work, taking great care in everything he did. He knew that folks listened intently to his message and he worked arduously to ensure its delivery was flawless. In our time together, he taught me to always take your work very seriously but to never lose the ability to laugh at yourself.

5. Lead and live with love.
I am not a devotee of astrology and the nearly three years I spent by Walter’s side didn’t change that. Yet, I’ve come to think of Walter less as an astrologer and more as a great motivator who was sharing a message of hope and inspiration. He told us that today might be difficult, but tomorrow will be better. He reminded us that with faith in ourselves we can surmount any obstacle. Most of all he instilled in us the importance of love. If we love each other and we love ourselves, no problem is too big and no challenge too great that it can’t be solved by the immense power of love.

Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado available to watch on Netflix.

All images courtesy of AstroMundo/Estate of Walter Mercado.

This story was printed in GAYLETTER Issue 13, get a copy here.

Circa 1950s.

1. Make the outside look like the inside.
Color-coordinated pantsuits, sequined capes, opulent jewelry, lacquered – on makeup, and hair that was feathered to perfection: Walter’s look was unforgettable. Off-camera, he was more casual but no less glamorous. Even in later years as he contended with old age and failing health, Walter made sure he always looked on the outside, the way he felt on the inside. Once during filming, his newborn grand-niece was brought to meet him, but Walter wouldn’t allow the newborn to see him until he had on a full face of makeup. As I think back on it, I don’t think it was mere vanity. The effort he put into the way he looked, helped him feel better about himself. It told everyone that he knew they were expecting to see ‘Walter Mercado’ and that he cared enough about them to deliver.

2. Leave no space for negativity.
Our film told Walter’s story from his humble beginnings in rural Puerto Rico to his unprecedented superstardom. We also covered his acrimonious legal battle with his former manager and his subsequent disappearance from the limelight. Of all our questions, the ones about this period were the hardest to get Walter to answer. In fact we even had to enlist his family to urge him to be more forthright. Ultimately, his reluctance stemmed from the fact that Walter never dwelled on the bad. Even in discussing his former manager, he spoke with love about the good times. Those were the memories he held on to. He only focused on the positive. Walter had made the decision to leave no space in his life for negativity.

3. Everyone is a star, make sure they know it.
Unsurprisingly, Walter had a big ego. His walls were adorned with portraits of himself, and he’d delight in regaling you with stories of his success. Yet, for all his self-confidence, Walter was never the most important person in the room: you were, and he made sure you knew it. He had the ability to make you feel like the star, giving you his utmost attention and all of his energy. You felt like the only person in the room that mattered to him. Whether on-set or at a restaurant, Walter made sure to acknowledge and thank every person he encountered. He wanted to make sure you knew that he saw you and that you mattered. Yes, Walter clearly loved himself, but he always loved you more.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Walter wasn’t just entertaining, he was brilliant. He could talk authoritatively about theology, world history, sexuality, or astrology. His home was full of books on every subject; all of which he had read. Even his aesthetic was a brilliant calculation which he knew would draw viewers in. Yet despite his smarts and outsized ego, he never took himself too seriously. He was the first one to poke fun at himself, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye. What he never took lightly was his work, taking great care in everything he did. He knew that folks listened intently to his message and he worked arduously to ensure its delivery was flawless. In our time together, he taught me to always take your work very seriously but to never lose the ability to laugh at yourself.

5. Lead and live with love.
I am not a devotee of astrology and the nearly three years I spent by Walter’s side didn’t change that. Yet, I’ve come to think of Walter less as an astrologer and more as a great motivator who was sharing a message of hope and inspiration. He told us that today might be difficult, but tomorrow will be better. He reminded us that with faith in ourselves we can surmount any obstacle. Most of all he instilled in us the importance of love. If we love each other and we love ourselves, no problem is too big and no challenge too great that it can’t be solved by the immense power of love.

Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado available to watch on Netflix.

All images courtesy of AstroMundo/Estate of Walter Mercado.

This story was printed in GAYLETTER Issue 13, get a copy here.

Circa 1971.

1. Make the outside look like the inside.
Color-coordinated pantsuits, sequined capes, opulent jewelry, lacquered – on makeup, and hair that was feathered to perfection: Walter’s look was unforgettable. Off-camera, he was more casual but no less glamorous. Even in later years as he contended with old age and failing health, Walter made sure he always looked on the outside, the way he felt on the inside. Once during filming, his newborn grand-niece was brought to meet him, but Walter wouldn’t allow the newborn to see him until he had on a full face of makeup. As I think back on it, I don’t think it was mere vanity. The effort he put into the way he looked, helped him feel better about himself. It told everyone that he knew they were expecting to see ‘Walter Mercado’ and that he cared enough about them to deliver.

2. Leave no space for negativity.
Our film told Walter’s story from his humble beginnings in rural Puerto Rico to his unprecedented superstardom. We also covered his acrimonious legal battle with his former manager and his subsequent disappearance from the limelight. Of all our questions, the ones about this period were the hardest to get Walter to answer. In fact we even had to enlist his family to urge him to be more forthright. Ultimately, his reluctance stemmed from the fact that Walter never dwelled on the bad. Even in discussing his former manager, he spoke with love about the good times. Those were the memories he held on to. He only focused on the positive. Walter had made the decision to leave no space in his life for negativity.

3. Everyone is a star, make sure they know it.
Unsurprisingly, Walter had a big ego. His walls were adorned with portraits of himself, and he’d delight in regaling you with stories of his success. Yet, for all his self-confidence, Walter was never the most important person in the room: you were, and he made sure you knew it. He had the ability to make you feel like the star, giving you his utmost attention and all of his energy. You felt like the only person in the room that mattered to him. Whether on-set or at a restaurant, Walter made sure to acknowledge and thank every person he encountered. He wanted to make sure you knew that he saw you and that you mattered. Yes, Walter clearly loved himself, but he always loved you more.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Walter wasn’t just entertaining, he was brilliant. He could talk authoritatively about theology, world history, sexuality, or astrology. His home was full of books on every subject; all of which he had read. Even his aesthetic was a brilliant calculation which he knew would draw viewers in. Yet despite his smarts and outsized ego, he never took himself too seriously. He was the first one to poke fun at himself, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye. What he never took lightly was his work, taking great care in everything he did. He knew that folks listened intently to his message and he worked arduously to ensure its delivery was flawless. In our time together, he taught me to always take your work very seriously but to never lose the ability to laugh at yourself.

5. Lead and live with love.
I am not a devotee of astrology and the nearly three years I spent by Walter’s side didn’t change that. Yet, I’ve come to think of Walter less as an astrologer and more as a great motivator who was sharing a message of hope and inspiration. He told us that today might be difficult, but tomorrow will be better. He reminded us that with faith in ourselves we can surmount any obstacle. Most of all he instilled in us the importance of love. If we love each other and we love ourselves, no problem is too big and no challenge too great that it can’t be solved by the immense power of love.

Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado available to watch on Netflix.

All images courtesy of AstroMundo/Estate of Walter Mercado.

This story was printed in GAYLETTER Issue 13, get a copy here.

Circa 1971.

1. Make the outside look like the inside.
Color-coordinated pantsuits, sequined capes, opulent jewelry, lacquered – on makeup, and hair that was feathered to perfection: Walter’s look was unforgettable. Off-camera, he was more casual but no less glamorous. Even in later years as he contended with old age and failing health, Walter made sure he always looked on the outside, the way he felt on the inside. Once during filming, his newborn grand-niece was brought to meet him, but Walter wouldn’t allow the newborn to see him until he had on a full face of makeup. As I think back on it, I don’t think it was mere vanity. The effort he put into the way he looked, helped him feel better about himself. It told everyone that he knew they were expecting to see ‘Walter Mercado’ and that he cared enough about them to deliver.

2. Leave no space for negativity.
Our film told Walter’s story from his humble beginnings in rural Puerto Rico to his unprecedented superstardom. We also covered his acrimonious legal battle with his former manager and his subsequent disappearance from the limelight. Of all our questions, the ones about this period were the hardest to get Walter to answer. In fact we even had to enlist his family to urge him to be more forthright. Ultimately, his reluctance stemmed from the fact that Walter never dwelled on the bad. Even in discussing his former manager, he spoke with love about the good times. Those were the memories he held on to. He only focused on the positive. Walter had made the decision to leave no space in his life for negativity.

3. Everyone is a star, make sure they know it.
Unsurprisingly, Walter had a big ego. His walls were adorned with portraits of himself, and he’d delight in regaling you with stories of his success. Yet, for all his self-confidence, Walter was never the most important person in the room: you were, and he made sure you knew it. He had the ability to make you feel like the star, giving you his utmost attention and all of his energy. You felt like the only person in the room that mattered to him. Whether on-set or at a restaurant, Walter made sure to acknowledge and thank every person he encountered. He wanted to make sure you knew that he saw you and that you mattered. Yes, Walter clearly loved himself, but he always loved you more.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Walter wasn’t just entertaining, he was brilliant. He could talk authoritatively about theology, world history, sexuality, or astrology. His home was full of books on every subject; all of which he had read. Even his aesthetic was a brilliant calculation which he knew would draw viewers in. Yet despite his smarts and outsized ego, he never took himself too seriously. He was the first one to poke fun at himself, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye. What he never took lightly was his work, taking great care in everything he did. He knew that folks listened intently to his message and he worked arduously to ensure its delivery was flawless. In our time together, he taught me to always take your work very seriously but to never lose the ability to laugh at yourself.

5. Lead and live with love.
I am not a devotee of astrology and the nearly three years I spent by Walter’s side didn’t change that. Yet, I’ve come to think of Walter less as an astrologer and more as a great motivator who was sharing a message of hope and inspiration. He told us that today might be difficult, but tomorrow will be better. He reminded us that with faith in ourselves we can surmount any obstacle. Most of all he instilled in us the importance of love. If we love each other and we love ourselves, no problem is too big and no challenge too great that it can’t be solved by the immense power of love.

Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado available to watch on Netflix.

All images courtesy of AstroMundo/Estate of Walter Mercado.

This story was printed in GAYLETTER Issue 13, get a copy here.

Circa 2000.

1. Make the outside look like the inside.
Color-coordinated pantsuits, sequined capes, opulent jewelry, lacquered – on makeup, and hair that was feathered to perfection: Walter’s look was unforgettable. Off-camera, he was more casual but no less glamorous. Even in later years as he contended with old age and failing health, Walter made sure he always looked on the outside, the way he felt on the inside. Once during filming, his newborn grand-niece was brought to meet him, but Walter wouldn’t allow the newborn to see him until he had on a full face of makeup. As I think back on it, I don’t think it was mere vanity. The effort he put into the way he looked, helped him feel better about himself. It told everyone that he knew they were expecting to see ‘Walter Mercado’ and that he cared enough about them to deliver.

2. Leave no space for negativity.
Our film told Walter’s story from his humble beginnings in rural Puerto Rico to his unprecedented superstardom. We also covered his acrimonious legal battle with his former manager and his subsequent disappearance from the limelight. Of all our questions, the ones about this period were the hardest to get Walter to answer. In fact we even had to enlist his family to urge him to be more forthright. Ultimately, his reluctance stemmed from the fact that Walter never dwelled on the bad. Even in discussing his former manager, he spoke with love about the good times. Those were the memories he held on to. He only focused on the positive. Walter had made the decision to leave no space in his life for negativity.

3. Everyone is a star, make sure they know it.
Unsurprisingly, Walter had a big ego. His walls were adorned with portraits of himself, and he’d delight in regaling you with stories of his success. Yet, for all his self-confidence, Walter was never the most important person in the room: you were, and he made sure you knew it. He had the ability to make you feel like the star, giving you his utmost attention and all of his energy. You felt like the only person in the room that mattered to him. Whether on-set or at a restaurant, Walter made sure to acknowledge and thank every person he encountered. He wanted to make sure you knew that he saw you and that you mattered. Yes, Walter clearly loved himself, but he always loved you more.

4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Walter wasn’t just entertaining, he was brilliant. He could talk authoritatively about theology, world history, sexuality, or astrology. His home was full of books on every subject; all of which he had read. Even his aesthetic was a brilliant calculation which he knew would draw viewers in. Yet despite his smarts and outsized ego, he never took himself too seriously. He was the first one to poke fun at himself, always delivered with a twinkle in his eye. What he never took lightly was his work, taking great care in everything he did. He knew that folks listened intently to his message and he worked arduously to ensure its delivery was flawless. In our time together, he taught me to always take your work very seriously but to never lose the ability to laugh at yourself.

5. Lead and live with love.
I am not a devotee of astrology and the nearly three years I spent by Walter’s side didn’t change that. Yet, I’ve come to think of Walter less as an astrologer and more as a great motivator who was sharing a message of hope and inspiration. He told us that today might be difficult, but tomorrow will be better. He reminded us that with faith in ourselves we can surmount any obstacle. Most of all he instilled in us the importance of love. If we love each other and we love ourselves, no problem is too big and no challenge too great that it can’t be solved by the immense power of love.

Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado available to watch on Netflix.

All images courtesy of AstroMundo/Estate of Walter Mercado.

This story was printed in GAYLETTER Issue 13, get a copy here.