Net Worth Ranker
What Is Raúl De Molina Net Worth?
Raúl De Molina, a well-known television presenter and journalist, has accumulated a significant net worth of $18 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his long-standing career in the entertainment industry, particularly his role as the co-host of the popular Univision show “El Gordo y la Flaca.”
Income and Career Highlights
De Molina’s career took off with “El Gordo y la Flaca,” which premiered in 1998. His peak salary on the show reached $7 million per year in the early 2000s. Over the years, as the show’s ratings shifted, his salary was adjusted to $4 million and subsequently to the current $2 million per year. This salary reflects his continued presence and importance to the program. “El Gordo y la Flaca,” filmed in Miami, Florida, features interviews with a wide array of celebrities, including actors and musicians. The show’s format and De Molina’s charismatic hosting have cemented his status in Spanish-language media.
Before his prominent role on “El Gordo y la Flaca,” De Molina made appearances on various Spanish-language television programs, including “Primer Impacto,” “Club Telemundo,” “Hola América,” and “Ocurrió Así.” Additionally, he has covered live events such as the Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas and the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square, Manhattan. His ventures into English-language television include appearances on “After Hours with Daniel Boulud” in 2008 and as a judge on the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” in 2011. Furthermore, he served as a judge for Miss America 2012, alongside Kris Jenner, Lara Spencer, and Mark Ballas. De Molina has also been a guest on talk shows like “The Chew,” “The Wendy Williams Show,” and “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore,” further expanding his reach and visibility.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 29, 1959, in Havana, Cuba, Raúl De Molina’s early life was marked by significant challenges. His father was detained as a political prisoner for 24 years. When he was 10 years old, De Molina and his family moved to Spain, and about six years later, they relocated to the United States, settling in Florida. As a young adult, De Molina attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and Miami Photography College, which laid the foundation for his career in photojournalism.
Photojournalism Career
After graduating from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, De Molina began his career as a freelance photographer for the Associated Press. He extended his freelance work to prominent publications such as Time, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and USA Today. Initially covering news and live sporting events, he transitioned into celebrity photography, capturing images of figures like Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro, and Diana, Princess of Wales. His photographs were featured in international publications such as Life and Paris Match, establishing him as a recognized photojournalist. De Molina also contributed to the Spanish edition of Travel + Leisure magazine.
Other Contributions
Beyond his television and photojournalism work, De Molina has contributed to media outlets such as HuffPost and AOL News. In 2008, he authored “La Dieta del Gordo,” a book detailing his weight loss journey and strategies. He was also featured in the 2020 Netflix documentary “Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado,” which highlighted the life and career of the Puerto Rican astrologer. De Molina supports various children’s health organizations, including the Miami Children’s Health Foundation, Voices for Children, and the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where he serves as an ambassador. These activities reflect his commitment to philanthropic endeavors.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Raúl De Molina married his wife Millie in 1994, and they have a daughter named Mia. He is an avid traveler and documents his journeys through photography. Additionally, De Molina collects watches, art, and cars, including a 2006 Ford GT40 and a special edition 2013 Mini Cooper GP. A kidney cancer survivor, he has openly discussed his health challenges and efforts to improve his wellbeing. In February 2017, De Molina purchased a 3,000 square foot condo in Miami for $2.6 million. He listed the property for sale in December of the same year for $3.1 million but ultimately sold it in August 2020 for $2.385 million, incurring a loss on the sale. The exact address of the property is not publicly available. His car collection includes a 2006 Ford GT40, which, depending on condition and rarity, can be valued between $200,000 and $400,000, and a special edition 2013 Mini Cooper GP, which can be worth around $30,000 to $40,000 based on its condition and mileage.
Detailed Breakdown of Net Worth Components
Raúl De Molina’s $18 million net worth is composed of several key elements: television salary, real estate investments, car collection, art collection, and investments. His primary source of income has been his salary from “El Gordo y la Flaca.” Over the years, his earnings from the show have significantly contributed to his overall wealth. Real estate investments have played a role, although his Miami condo sale resulted in a loss. His collection of cars and art, while not fully liquid assets, adds to his overall net worth. The exact value of his art collection is not publicly known, but it is considered a substantial asset.
His investments in the stock market and other financial instruments also contribute to his net worth. However, the specifics of these investments are not publicly disclosed. The $18 million net worth reflects a comprehensive assessment of his assets and liabilities, providing a clear picture of his financial standing.
