Three interrelated anniversaries are set to coincide on June 23. It has been two years since the death of Mila Ximenez, a key face of the Sálvame program, which is also coming to an end on Telecinco. Additionally, it is Paolo Vasile’s 70th birthday, the former CEO of Mediaset, who oversaw the program’s success as the undisputed audience leader.
Mila Ximenez’s career was revived on the small screen, rescuing her from her worst years and bringing back her quick-thinking, acid, intelligent, and scathing personality. In an interview in 1989, she spoke of her years of splendor in Marbella, which came to an end with the arrival of Jesús Gil as the mayor of the city. Ximenez was introduced to the Marseille jet set by Jaime de Mora y Aragón, who took her under his wing and turned her into a media star.
During her marriage to Manolo Santana, Ximenez lived a glamorous life without any problems. She would spend her mornings at the tennis club with her daughter Alba, afternoons at the Marbella Club, and evenings dining with Lolita. After her marital breakdown, Ximenez had a relationship with Antonio Arribas, who had previously dated Lolita. This was a period in which she attended lavish parties and rubbed shoulders with celebrities such as Lola Flores, Sean Connery, and the Duchess of Alba.
One of the prominent figures in the Marbella nightlife was the group known as “los chorys,” which included Luis Ortiz, Yeyo Llagostera, Jorge Morán, and Antonio Arribas. They were known for their wild adventures and excessive partying. Ximenez also encountered other notable personalities during this time, including Princess Soraya, Deborah Kerr, Peter Viertel, Kashoggi, Linda Christian, and Cristina Onassis.
Ximenez’s career as a chronicler continued through her radio collaboration with Encarna Sánchez and her interview section, Café con Mila, on Abc. However, her professional relationship with the presenter ended, leading to a turning point in her life. She experienced a personal and professional decline, even giving up custody of her daughter Alba to provide her with a better life with her father. Ximenez sold furs and jewelry to survive during this difficult period and formed questionable friendships, including one with the lawyer Rodríguez Menéndez.
Television gave Ximenez a second chance, first on Crónicas Marcianas and then on Save Me, where she announced her battle with cancer. She left the show after enjoying the love of her daughter and the affection of the public. In 2005, Ximenez published her autobiography, “Sorry if I don’t talk about me,” in which she reflected on her years of partying in Marbella. She described it as a toxic and immoral world that ultimately bored her.
As these anniversaries align, it is a time to remember Mila Ximenez’s journey from the heights of Marbella’s jet set to her resurrection on television and the impact she had on the entertainment industry.
How did Paolo Vasile, the former CEO of Mediaset, contribute to the rise of Sálvame as a powerhouse in the television industry
Er her divorce from Santana, Ximenez faced financial difficulties, which led her to accept various opportunities in the media industry. She became a regular face on television, showcasing her razor-sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude.
One of her most notable roles was in the popular program Sálvame, where she became a beloved and polarizing figure. Her candid opinions and controversial debates made her a must-watch for viewers. Ximenez’s presence on the show contributed to its immense success, becoming the undisputed leader in audience ratings.
Unfortunately, on June 23, 2019, the world mourned the loss of Mila Ximenez. Her death marked the end of an era for Sálvame, as it was announced that the program would be coming to a close on the same day. The show, which gave Ximenez a platform to shine, will be dearly missed by audiences.
Coincidentally, June 23 also marks another significant event. Paolo Vasile, the former CEO of Mediaset, which owns Telecinco, will be celebrating his 70th birthday. Vasile played a crucial role in the success of Sálvame, overseeing its rise to become a powerhouse in the television industry.
These three anniversaries – the death of Mila Ximenez, the end of Sálvame, and Paolo Vasile’s 70th birthday – are intertwined, symbolizing the end of an era in Spanish television. Ximenez’s remarkable career, Vasile’s influential leadership, and the beloved program Sálvame have left an indelible mark on the industry and will be remembered by fans for years to come.
Mila Ximenez, a true icon of Sálvame, will always have a special place in our hearts. Her wit, charisma, and unforgettable moments on the show will never be forgotten. As we remember her on this anniversary, we pay tribute to a remarkable talent who brought laughter, drama, and authenticity to our screens. Rest in peace, Mila.
Mila Ximenez, forever etched in our hearts. Her charisma, wit, and unmatched presence on Sálvame made her an unforgettable icon. Today, we remember her with immense love and gratitude for the incredible mark she left on our screens. Rest in power, Mila.