Don Francisco Net Worth - Pulptastic
Daniel Cobb
Published Apr 10, 2026
What is Don Francisco’s net worth and salary?
Don Francisco is a well-known television host originally from Chile, best known for his work on Univision’s Sábado Gigante. His net worth is estimated to be $200 million.
In addition to hosting Sábado Gigante, Francisco also hosts the popular variety show Don Francisco Presenta on Univision. He is also the host of Chilean versions of American game shows Who Wants to be a Millionaire (Quién merece ser millonario?) and Deal or No Deal.
Early Life of Don Francisco
Don Francisco was born in Talca, Chile on December 28, 1940, to Jewish parents who had to flee persecution from Nazi Germans during World War II. As a child, he spent time studying in New York but ended up spending most of his time watching TV.
“Sabado Gigante”: The Longest Running Television Variety Program
“Sabado Gigante” is a television program created by Don Francisco in Chile in 1962. It became an instant hit and lasted for over 53 years, making it the longest running television variety program with 50+ seasons and more than 2000 episodes. The show aired on Canal 13 and featured an eclectic mix of various contests, human interest stories, and live entertainment including stand up comedy, contests, and a “traveling camera” segment. Don Francisco hosted the show under his stage name and the show was later produced by SIN in Miami, Florida using the exact same formula used in Chile. The show featured many celebrities over the years including Bill Clinton, Roberto Duran, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, among many others, and helped launch the careers of many famous entertainers through a talent partnership. In 2015, “Sabado Gigante” aired its final episode, “Hasta Siempre.”
Don Francisco’s Career Highlights
Don Francisco hosted several TV shows outside of “Sabado Gigante,” including Chilean versions of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” “Deal or No Deal,” and “Money Drop.” He also hosted the first three seasons of “Money Drop” before retiring from the program in 2014.
In 2003, he hosted Governor Bernardo de Galvez in an episode of a PBS Kids show, “Liberty’s Kids.” He was also the first host of the Teleton USA telethon, which was first introduced in December 2012 on the Univision network.
Francisco signed a multi-year deal with Telemundo in March 2016 and hosted “Don Francisco Te Invita,” a Sunday night talk show considered to be the relevant successor to “Sábado Gigante.” It debuted on October 9, 2016, but was eventually canceled, airing its last episode on December 9, 2018.
Francisco also promotes and hosts the Teleton, a TV charity show for disabled Chilean children. He has appeared in commercials for La Curacao department stores, Mexican telecom company Claro, and was even present for the grand opening of a few La Curacao stores in South Gate, California, and various Arizona locations. In 2010, the U.S. Social Security Administration enlisted him to appear in a series of public service announcements in an attempt to reach out to American Hispanics about the benefits of Social Security.
Furthermore, Francisco is the Hispanic spokesperson for the U.S. Muscular Dystrophy Association, and he appears in a pre-recorded message on its annual telethon to encourage Hispanics to donate. Over 30 years, there have been 22 telethons for the organization.
Don Francisco’s Achievements
Francisco’s show holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest-running TV variety show. He has also received numerous awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2012, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Recently, in September 2015, a street in Washington Heights was named after Kreutzberger called Don Francisco Boulevard.
Personal Life and Controversies
Don Francisco has been married to Teresa Muchnik Rosenblum since 1962, and they have three children together. The family prefers to maintain their privacy.
After the 1973 Chilean coup d’etat, Kreutzberger was sought after by the military. He was taken to Salvador Allende’s vandalized house and asked to report live on the events, which he declined and encouraged a captain to take on the role instead.
In 2003, a false rumor circulated that Don Francisco had died, causing panic among his fans until it was revealed to be an April Fool’s joke. In 1992, he was sued by a model on his show for sexual harassment, and the suit was settled out of court.
Don Francisco Sells Indian Creek Mansion for $23.8 Million
In 1987, Don Francisco commissioned the custom-built mansion on the ultra-exclusive Indian Creek island in Miami. After 34 years of ownership, he recently sold the property for an impressive $23.8 million in July 2021.
