Dear Friends:

I posted this merely because I've been listening to Charo's infectious accent lately on "Dance (a little bit closer)" (Yep, I haven't gotten tired of it -- when mixed judiciously with other stuff I do aerobic stuff to -- Dr.'s orders; I'm fat).

- Happy Holidays! - Judydoggie - a.k.a. Paul

Cuchi Cuchi is Back
Charo Owes Her `Surreal' Comeback To Fans Both Young And Old

December 15, 2004
By GREG MORAGO, Hartford (CT, USA) Courant Staff Writer

It's a shame that television shows like "Love Boat" have sailed into the sunset. Capt. Stubing's ship was the ideal stage for an ever-changing cast of some of Hollywood's most recognizable - albeit, often B-variety - faces.

But what faces! Arlene Golonka, Don Adams, Elaine Joyce, Dick Van Patten, Nancy Dussault, McLean Stevenson, Donna Pescow, Bert Convey and Yvette Mimieux.

They don't make stars like that anymore. Kindly name a television star who has the presence of, say, a Tom Bosley or a Morgan Brittany. Stumped? We thought so.

"Love Boat" was the real deal - an honest fix, a sugary wallop of true celebrity juice. And twinkling high above this galaxy of stars was the brightest of them all: Charo. A "Love Boat" regular (a record seven sailings as a guest passenger), Charo was and always will be the hottest thing on the Lido Deck. Before "Love Boat" she came to the public's attention as the wife of Xavier Cugat, who sang with his band.

But where had the classical guitar artist/bombshell landed after the "Love Boat" dry docked? If it seemed as if Charo had slipped off the pop culture radar, taking her "cuchi cuchi" with her, you'd be right. She did, to raise her now-grown son.

Now she's back. Oh, is she back.

Looking like Santa's personal Barbie doll (in a white fur-trimmed mini-dress of red sparkles), Charo recently entertained the morning crowds of the "Today" show, proving she has lost none of the vivacity of her unique brand of showmanship.

Older fans nodded appreciatively. But she also caught the attention of a younger audience, most likely courtesy of her recent stint on VH1's "The Surreal Life," during which she shared a house with Dave Coulier ("Full House"), Public Enemy's Flavor Flav, New Kid on the Block Jordan Knight, Brigitte Nielsen and "American Idol" castoff Ryan Starr.

"The Surreal Life" was only one of the things that made this the "Year of Charo." She's set to release a new album in a few months. She is a holiday entertainment mainstay thanks to her star turn on "Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special" (a cult classic).

And she's got a new lounge act that makes its way to the Cabaret Theater at Mohegan Sun casino for five performances today through Sunday.

We caught up with the entertainer during a recent telephone conversation. Speaking in that trademark accent - as thick and delicious as squid ink paella - Charo covered a number of topics, including that question about her age that has haunted her, and perhaps rightly so, throughout her career. Here's what's on the mind of the indomitable Charo.

On not being very visible to the American public after "Love Boat": The bottom line is that I disappear on television for motherhood reasons. I happen to be a hell of a good mother. When the kid was 5, I did not want to hit the road and live the gypsy life. What kind of life would it be to take him on the road? I could not do that. I made my home in Hawaii. I performed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for many, many years - since he was 6 until he graduated from high school. I performed at night and during the day I was Mamacita.

On returning to television via "The Surreal Life": I was working at the Venetian in Vegas. My surprise was that the business was excellent and the people showed up for the show. I finished that job and said, `OK, it's time for me to appear in television.' I started doing a lot of appearances on "Hollywood Squares." And then from there I accepted "The Surreal Life." It was funny. They told me it was going to be a group of five musicians. I'm a musician so I said, `Wow! This will be the time of my life!' I said, `Yes, yes, yes, I'll be there.' But the condition is that I could not know who was going to be there. It was anonymous. I thought maybe I'd have B.B. King. Who could be there? Then they start arriving. Guess what? It was the Flavor rapper. Then David Coulier. Then the Ryan from "American Idol." I was wondering, do they know music? No. It was not going to be what I thought it was going to be. So I said let's see how we can get along. I love comedy. The reality shows so far that I've seen are drama. Fine, you have to eat the snake. I have no regret. It gave me exposure to an audience who doesn't know me."

On a new, younger Charo fan base thanks to "The Surreal Life": The teenagers, I swear to you, have discovered me. They love my expression "spooning leads to forking." That came from the show, from me. Flavor kept insisting, "Can I curl up with you?" So then I come up with "spooning leads to forking."

On appearing on "Today" show: I love that! On Dec. 21 I will be singing again in front of the Rockefeller Christmas tree. I will sing "Feliz Navidad." But I make it the hottest salsa that you can imagine.

On performing at Mohegan Sun [Casino in Uncasville, CT, USA]: The last time I was there, my audience was high roller, beautiful, sophisticated people. When I play the guitar, they love it, they give me a standing ovation. That's my security blanket. This time I bring a special holiday show. I sing "Mamacita, Where Is Santa Claus?" We show how Christmas is celebrated in Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico. They're going to see how people celebrate Christmas around the world and in Latin America.

On the age and beauty of Charo: Thank you for asking. I understood that Oprah wants to give me the whole hour and explain from A to Z the story of my life. The mystery of the age is how I keep looking so good. No plastic surgery. I tell you the truth from my heart. Serious, I am 53.

On what's next for Charo: They're writing a reality show for me. It's all about me. I have a new CD, "Charo and Guitar" out in February. It's me and my guitar putting together beautiful music. When you are depressed, don't kill yourself. Have a glass of wine and listen to this. It makes me feel very good immediately, maybe it can do the same for other people.

On "cuchi cuchi": Oh, listen, show me the way to the bank. Whenever I need money, all I have to do is say "cuchi." I was never embarrassed to "cuchi." What will they write when I die? "Here lies cuchi cuchi!"