Walter Mercado
Puerto Rican astrologer (1932–2019)
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Key Takeaways
- Walter Mercado Salinas (March 9, 1931 – November 2, 2019), also known by his stage name Shanti Ananda , was a Puerto Rican astrologer, actor, dancer, and writer, best known as a television personality for his shows as an astrologer.
- Walter became known as a cultural phenomenon in the Hispanic community.
- His parents were José María Mercado, from San Germán, Puerto Rico, and Aída Salinas from Catalonia, Spain.
- He attended university majoring in pedagogy, psychology and pharmacy, and used these skills to teach others, to study the human mind and to learn about the healing properties of medicinal plants.
- He also studied classical and modern ballet.
Walter Mercado Salinas (March 9, 1931 – November 2, 2019), also known by his stage name Shanti Ananda, was a Puerto Rican astrologer, actor, dancer, and writer, best known as a television personality for his shows as an astrologer. His astrological prediction shows began airing in Puerto Rico, eventually spreading to Latin America and the United States. Walter became known as a cultural phenomenon in the Hispanic community.
Early years
Mercado was born on March 9, 1932, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where he spent his early childhood. His parents were José María Mercado, from San Germán, Puerto Rico, and Aída Salinas from Catalonia, Spain. Mercado believed that he had spiritual abilities, even as a child. He attended university majoring in pedagogy, psychology and pharmacy, and used these skills to teach others, to study the human mind and to learn about the healing properties of medicinal plants.
Professional career
Dancing and acting
Mercado Salinas studied singing and had a talent for dancing. He also studied classical and modern ballet. He was one of the most prolific dancers in Puerto Rico. He was the dancing partner of comedian Velda González.
Walter Mercado worked as an actor in the 1960s Puerto Rican telenovelas Un adiós en el recuerdo (A Farewell in the Memory) and Larga distancia (Long Distance), and also had a dramatic arts school called Walter Actors Studio 64.
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