Charo is a name that conjures images of dazzling stage costumes, flamenco guitars, vibrant energy, and the unforgettable catchphrase “Cuchi-Cuchi!” As a Spanish-American actress, singer, comedian, and flamenco guitarist, Charo has been a fixture in American pop culture since the 1960s. With her bold personality, unmatched musical talent, and comedic charm, she became a beloved television personality and Las Vegas performer. Over the years, fans have continued to ask: Is Charo still alive?
This article provides a clear and accurate answer, while exploring Charo’s current life, health, entertainment career, personal experiences, and lasting influence in the world of television, music, and live performance.
Is Charo Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Charo is still alive as of 2025.
At 74 years old, Charo remains active, vibrant, and passionate about performing. While she has slowed down her schedule compared to her peak years, she continues to engage with fans through social media, appearances, and musical performances. Her energy, humor, and talent remain intact, making her one of the few multi-generational entertainers still connecting with audiences across decades.
Who Is Charo?
Charo was born María del Rosario Mercedes Pilar Martínez Molina Baeza on March 13, 1951, in Murcia, Spain. Known professionally as Charo, she is a classically trained guitarist who studied under Andrés Segovia, one of the greatest guitarists of the 20th century.
Charo immigrated to the United States in the 1960s and quickly became a television sensation thanks to her combination of musical virtuosity, comedic timing, and flamboyant charm. With her signature accent and vibrant stage presence, she carved out a unique space in the American entertainment industry.
Television Stardom in the 1970s and 1980s
Charo rose to fame in the United States through frequent appearances on variety and game shows during the 1970s and 1980s. She became a staple of television, appearing in dozens of hit shows that showcased her quick wit and musical skills.
Notable Television Appearances:
- The Ed Sullivan Show
- The Love Boat (recurring role as April Lopez)
- Hollywood Squares
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
- Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In
Her catchphrase “Cuchi-Cuchi” became part of her brand and was often used humorously in her performances. The phrase referenced her pet dog’s name and evolved into a playful representation of her fiery, flirtatious persona.
Though she was often cast for comedic effect, Charo’s musical skills—particularly her mastery of flamenco and classical guitar—made her stand out as an artist of substance behind the flamboyant stage presence.
A Music Career Rooted in Real Talent
Charo is more than a television personality; she is an acclaimed musician, celebrated for her flamenco guitar playing, which combines Spanish rhythms with classical precision and pop showmanship.
Musical Highlights:
- Trained under Andrés Segovia, who recognized her as a prodigy
- Released several studio albums in both English and Spanish
- Known for her energetic live performances in Las Vegas and on tour
- Her album Guitar Passion (1994) won the Billboard International Latin Music Award for Female Pop Album of the Year
Despite being often underestimated in her early career due to her comedic roles, critics and peers alike recognize her as an exceptionally skilled guitarist with a command of classical and Latin styles.
Las Vegas Headliner and Live Performances
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Charo became a major Las Vegas headliner, performing in prestigious venues such as Caesar’s Palace and The Sahara. Her shows blended music, comedy, dance, and audience interaction—earning her a loyal following and widespread acclaim.
Her Vegas performances helped define the classic variety-style revue and contributed to the city’s rich entertainment history. Charo became synonymous with high-energy stage shows and glamorous costumes, always blending musical excellence with showbiz sparkle.
Personal Life and Resilience
Charo has lived a life marked by both public success and private resilience.
Family Life:
- Married Kjell Rasten, a television producer, in 1978
- The couple had one son, Shel Rasten, a musician and actor
- Lived a quiet family life outside the spotlight in Beverly Hills
In 2019, Charo faced immense personal tragedy when her husband died by suicide after battling a severe and rare skin disease, Bullous Pemphigoid, and depression. She publicly addressed his death with deep emotion, calling for more awareness around mental health and elder care.
Despite the pain, Charo continued to perform and share her story with strength, encouraging others to seek help and support loved ones battling invisible illnesses.
Health and Wellness in Later Life
As of 2025, Charo remains in good health and continues to maintain her trademark energy and positive outlook. She attributes her vitality to:
- A Mediterranean-inspired diet
- Daily dancing and exercise
- Music and performance as therapy
- Humor and spirituality
While she no longer tours as extensively as in past decades, Charo continues to give select performances, record music, and engage with fans via digital platforms. She occasionally appears at cultural events, award shows, and television specials celebrating classic entertainers.
Cultural Impact and Lasting Influence
Charo is a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond her music and television career. She broke stereotypes as a Latina performer in American media, creating a space for vibrant, multilingual entertainers in a time when Hollywood typecasting was prevalent.
Her Lasting Contributions:
- Paved the way for bilingual performers in mainstream U.S. entertainment
- Normalized strong female stage presence and self-branding
- Used humor and charisma to subvert cultural expectations
- Inspires new generations of performers blending music and comedy
In recent years, artists and fans have re-evaluated Charo’s career with greater appreciation for her musicianship, resilience, and contributions to multicultural representation in media.
Social Media and Public Presence
Charo maintains a lively presence on social media, particularly on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where she shares:
- Behind-the-scenes clips
- Guitar sessions and dance routines
- Encouraging messages for fans
- Memories from her entertainment career
Her fan base includes both long-time admirers and younger audiences discovering her for the first time through internet culture, where her catchphrases and stage presence have found new life in memes and retro compilations.
Honors and Recognition
Over her decades in the entertainment industry, Charo has earned praise and awards from both musical and television communities.
Notable Honors:
- Billboard Latin Music Award for Guitar Passion
- Latin Grammy recognition for contributions to Latin music
- Honored at Hispanic Heritage celebrations and festivals
- Recognized by the City of Las Vegas and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Despite being underappreciated in traditional award circuits, Charo is widely regarded as a pioneering entertainer whose influence transcends genre and medium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charo still alive in 2025?
Yes, Charo is alive and thriving. She continues to engage with fans, perform selectively, and share her story.
How old is Charo?
Charo was born on March 13, 1951, making her 74 years old in 2025.
What is Charo famous for?
She is known for her flamenco guitar skills, comedic television appearances, catchphrase “Cuchi-Cuchi,” and vibrant stage performances.
Is Charo still performing?
Yes. While she performs less frequently now, Charo continues to do select live shows and participates in public events.
What happened to Charo’s husband?
Charo’s husband, Kjell Rasten, tragically died by suicide in 2019 after suffering from a painful autoimmune disease. Charo has since become an advocate for mental health awareness.
Was Charo a trained musician?
Yes. She trained in classical guitar under Andrés Segovia and is considered a master of the flamenco guitar.
Conclusion
So, is Charo still alive? Absolutely—and still shining. At 74, Charo continues to inspire with her music, resilience, and timeless charisma. Her legacy is a celebration of individuality, culture, and fearless creativity. From the stages of Las Vegas to the small screens of 1970s TV, Charo brought joy, laughter, and artistry to millions.
In 2025, she remains a living testament to the power of entertainment as both expression and healing. Whether playing guitar with precision or lighting up a room with her smile, Charo proves that true stars never fade—they simply keep dancing to their own rhythm.