Actor, but better known for his role as presenter, Jorge Fernandez He may very well be one of the most recognizable faces in morning television programming. Most people know him as the host of 'The wheel of fortune', But in reality, Fernández is full of interesting facts that have marked his life and made him the celebrity he is today. Keep reading because we tell you 10 things about Jorge Fernández that you should know.
1. The presenter is not Basque, even though it is a widespread belief
There are many who believe that Jorge Fernández is Basque, and although it is true that he grew up in Mondragón, he was actually born in Alicante on August 8, 1972.
2. Jorge Fernández claims to have lived through the toughest years of ETA.
As he himself said in an interview, when he lived in Mondragón he witnessed some of the ETA's actions. In fact, he was the victim of one of the attacks when two bombs exploded under his house and one of them hit him.
3. The presenter began his career as a model
After being on the chain for so many years, it may be difficult for many to remember, but in reality, Jorge Fernández became known for winning the contest 'Mr Spain' in 1999, a title that he would hold for 2 years as the competition was not held in 2000. Furthermore, he would win this contest just one year after finishing his university studies. Did you know that Jorge Fernández graduated in Physical Education from the University of Vitoria?
The presenter is glad to have parents who supported him when he decided to study Physical Education, even though this was not what they were most excited about. Now Jorge has a son and he intends to do the same with his son: let him study whatever he wants.
After graduating in Physical Education, he decided to change direction and began working for a modelling agency in San Sebastian, although the presenter always says that the idea of becoming a model had never really excited him.
4. Did you know that basketball was his initial passion?
Long before he became famous, the Antena 3 presenter played basketball and did so professionally! During the 1997/1998 season, his 1.93 cm height allowed him to play professionally in the ACB League, specifically for Tau Baskonia, now Saski Baskonia, but due to a knee injury he was forced to retire and focus on other projects away from professional sport.
5. Has Jorge Fernández ever acted?
'Los Serrano', '7 vidas' and 'Esencia de poder' have been some of the most legendary Spanish television series in which the presenter has been able to develop his acting skills.
6. What disease does Jorge Fernández suffer from?
Despite always seeing him on television enjoying his programme, with a permanent smile and an impenetrable joy, the truth is that the presenter has had to go through several illnesses throughout his life that have not made the path exactly easy for him. The first of them is due to a mercury poisoning who suffered after eating a lot of tuna and accumulating this substance in his body.
For this reason, Fernández has recently wanted to raise awareness about the care and precautions that should be taken when eating certain fish that are unfortunately full of this harmful substance.
However, the presenter has also suffered from a second illness: 'Lyme'. Jorge Fernández admitted that he suffered from this disease due to a tick bite, claiming to have lost more than 8 kg and feeling both physically and mentally very unstable.
Jorge says that he had to tell what was happening to him because of the pressure of public opinion, which began to spread false rumours about his health. He also confirms that it helped him a lot to learn and read about his illnesses, even though he already had knowledge of anatomy and physiology thanks to his INEF degree.
7. What productions have you participated in? Jorge Fernandez?
Jorge Fernández has been a presenter of 'La quinta esfera', 'Gran Hermano' and 'Gran Hermano Vip' were some of the television projects that Fernández was involved in before establishing himself for quite some time in the contest. However, after taking the reins of 'La ruleta de la suerte', the presenter combined this with other programmes such as 'Esta casa era una ruina' or 'Quiero cantar', both from the same channel.
8. Did you know that Jorge Fernández has also been on the cover of a well-known magazine?
In 2014, the presenter had the opportunity to be on the May cover of the magazine 'Men's Health', for which she prepared herself with a very strict diet and training routine. This project was especially exciting for her since her whole life has revolved around sport.
9. Adventure sports are your favorites
The iconic presenter also practices other, more adventurous sports. Skiing, surfing and windsurfing are some of his favourites and he does them quite regularly, especially when his work schedule allows. In addition, he is a staunch defender of the need to do sport, as he has stated more than once that physical inactivity is one of the main causes of health problems.
10. Has participated in some humanitarian actions
As a well-known face, the former host of 'Big Brother' knows the importance of giving a voice to the most needy and defenseless population. That is why Fernández has wanted to get involved numerous times in different humanitarian actions, either personally or professionally. One of the most notable actions of the presenter was his trip to Tripoli with UNHCR to personally learn about the situation that thousands of Syrian refugees are going through and offer them his help in any way possible.
Some of his successes so far have been winning the Antena de Oro award and the Ondas Award for best television presenter and his appearance on the New Year's Eve chimes for Antena 3.
However, despite being such a versatile person, the La ruleta de la suerte programme is already like a home for him. In the words of the presenter: “The people who have followed me on the programme for fifteen years know me better than my mother. I don't hide my opinions or my thoughts because I am quite transparent.
Since he landed in the world of entertainment at the age of 26, Jorge Fernández quickly made a name for himself in the homes and on television of all Spaniards. His performance in legendary series and the presentation of different family programs made him famous and here to stay.Actor, television host, elite athlete, defender of sport and health and tireless fighter for humanitarian causes are the traits that define Jorge Fernández, one of the most charismatic faces, but also loved and admired by both his professional colleagues and the public.