His knee-slapping antics, rapid-fire Cuban Spanish and larger-than-life persona have led some to call him “a cross between Ricky Ricardo and Dom De Louise.” Chef Pepín is one of the most beloved media personalities known for his trademark chef's hat and winning smile. Using humor and an approachable take on cooking, the Chef Pepín has brought his mastery of international, Latin-influenced cuisine to millions of fans.
Chef Pepín has been boosting on-air ratings since 1988, debuting onUnivision’s “TV Mujer”and he has remained a staple in the US Hispanic culture ever since. He can be seen on more than 690 broadcast and cable stations in two continents on the #1 Latin morning program,
“Despierta America”, as well as through out Latin America on his extremely successful, international, cooking show on the MGM Network Latin America and on Miami’s WPBT-2’s Emmy-award winning magazine show, “New Florida”.
As a brand spokesperson for packaged-goods companies, Chef Pepín’s success is no less impressive. Besides having appeared nationwide on countless radio and television commercials, as well as print ads, Chef Pepín is constantly being sought out by clients to represent them in everything from street festivals to press tours to in-store appearances. His innate ability to move product off store shelves in record numbers is legendary – and has garnered him an enviable roster of clients that includes such food giants as: Sun-Maid Baking Raisins, Green Giant, Stouffer’s, Coca-Cola, Borden, Uncle Ben’s Rice, Tyson Foods and Knorr Soups & Seasonings.
Maria Graza of the Mexican American Council has called him a "national treasure", stating, " he's not just the TV personality, the Chef. He's also an outstanding human being." A philanthropist, Chef Pepín often donates his time and talents to charity events. Additionally he has followed the example of the First Lady Michelle Obama, and has taken on America's obesity epidemic as a personal quest. Having lost over 30 pounds, Chef Pepínis living the lifestyle he preaches. Teaching Latin & Hispanic Americans to prepare the foods they grew up eating in more nutritious, but still delicious ways.
Chef Pepín is hugely proud of being a Hispanic American and an icon to Latin & Hispanic Americans. He embodies the American dream, coming to the United States as a young boy from Cuba, Chef Pepín reinvented himself over and over- from 7-11 manager to milk man, to sandwich salesman, to insurance agent, he did not "become" the TV icon, Chef Pepín, until he was 40. He has not stopped there, he continues to pioneer- engaging his fan-base to adopt healthier approaches to food, and has drawn in a new generation of followers, whom he communicates with daily via Twitter, Facebook and on his Univision.com fan page.
Chef Pepín is also the author of a best-selling, Spanish-language, Latin cookbook, “Cooking with Chef Pepín” and most recently launched his new line of kitchen appliances through Target.com, HomeDepot.com, Burlington Coat Factory and AASEF Exchange (among others).
