Producer Mario de la Mano, in charge of TVE series "Cachitos" and "The Green Beetle"
Going, Going, Gone: El Escarabajo Verde Loses a Titan in Mario de la Mano
In a somber turn of events, we bid farewell to the charismatic journalist Mario de la Mano, the driving force behind El Escarabajo Verde for two decades, who left us on May 14 at the age of 59.
De la Mano, a household name in Spanish TV, gained fame with El Escarabajo Verde as an editor, deputy director, and eventually the director from 2008 to 2017. His diligent work ethic, unwavering values, and fierce commitment to the environment made him a trailblazer in Spanish environmental journalism.
Dunia Ramiro, the current director of the program, speaking to our website, shared her heartfelt reminiscences, saying, "Mario was a beacon in the field of environmental journalism in Spain. He was a relentless fighter with a clear vision for the cause. He never shied away from telling the untold stories, giving voice to the underdogs, and standing up to powerful corporations."
"Mario was all about the little guys," Dunia continued. "He was always there to champion the cause of small communities battling big infrastructure projects. He was a true advocate for the environment and the people affected by it."
Known for his eloquence and clever wordplay, Mario de la Mano had a knack for capturing the essence of each report with just the right title, leaving his colleagues scratching their heads in awe. As Dunia summed up, "His legacy is in the inspired tenure of El Escarabajo Verde. I still find myself wondering, 'What would Mario do?'"
The team of El Escarabajo Verde officially announced the sad news on Thursday, paying tribute to Mario de la Mano as a champion of committed journalism and environmental causes. They acknowledged his significant contributions, including raising awareness about the struggles of rural communities fighting to preserve their habitats and lifestyles.
In 2023, Mario de la Mano switched gears and took charge of another successful program on La2, Cachitos de hierro y cromo, where he worked alongside Ángel Carmona until last March. His colleagues, in a heartfelt farewell message, acknowledged his unique humor, innovative vision, and dedication, praising his invaluable contribution to the program.
Although Mario de la Mano garnered fame with Cachitos de hierro y cromo, he remained a versatile figure, as demonstrated by the moving tribute posted on Instagram by his colleagues. "Mario was the brilliance behind the delirium - to quote one of his many catchphrases, says Duña, a fitting testament to the man who shone brightest with his intelligence and wit."
- The average viewer of El Escarabajo Verde and Cachitos de hierro y cromo knew Mario de la Mano as a celebrity who brought a fresh perspective to environmental journalism and pop-culture entertainment.
- In the world of Spanish television and pop-culture, Mario de la Mano was not only a beacon for environmental journalism but also a trailblazer who fearlessly voiced the struggles of the common people, making him a true advocate in both areas.
