8 Latino Celebrities Who Have Appeared on 'Sábado Gigante'

The show’s departure will leave a huge empty space, not only in Univision’s Saturday evening lineup, but in its viewers hearts as well.
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The world’s longest-running variety show is coming to an end!

After enjoying an impressive 53-year run, "Sábado Gigante" will air its final show Saturday.

The show has been on the air since host Mario Kreutzberger, better known as Don Francisco to fans, debuted his wacky brainchild in his native Chile on August 8, 1962. The rest, as they say, is history. The three-hour variety show has aired every Saturday evening for more than half a century, engaging Latinos worldwide with its antics, competitions, dancing, pageants, dating games, and human interest stories. Not to mention how the show basically introduced viewers to the following eight Latino celebrities (to name only a few) before they became household names in the United States.

Check out the following throwback interviews, and tune in to Univision this Saturday to watch Shakira, Marc Anthony, Prince Royce and many others give the show what is sure to be an emotional sendoff.

Shakira
Youtube/Univision
Shakira made her first appearance on the show in 1996, at the tender age of 18.
Marc Anthony
A young Marc Anthony got the surprise of a lifetime when his father joined him on during one especially emotional segment.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez used "Sábado Gigante's" platform to break down why the movie "Selena" was such a big deal, not only for the Latino community, but for Hollywood at large.
Sofia Vergara
Don Francisco interviewed then-model Sofia Vergara one month after she wrapped her first film.
Enrique Iglesias
Don Francisco offers a super young Enrique Iglesias his support and encouragement as the Spanish singer embarks on his singing career.
Thalia
In this clip from 1997, Thalia chats with Don Francisco about what motivated her success.
Jenni Rivera
Don Francisco surprised Jenni Rivera with a beautiful video tribute in which her children thank the singer for her constant love and support. Awww!

Prince Royce
Prince Royce performed his hit song "Stand By Me" on "Sábado Gigante."

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