Born Name:  Francisco Cordero Baez

Born Date:  October 16, 1932

Born Place:  Santurce, Puerto Rico

Died Date:  June 30, 2009

Died Place:  San Juan, Puerto Rico

Occupations:  Comedian, television producer, director

Brief Biography:  Paquito Cordero was a legendary Puerto Rican television producer, comedian, and director often called the "father of Puerto Rican television". He is best known for creating El Show de las 12, the longest-running television program in Puerto Rican history, which aired for 40 years on Telemundo.

Early Life and Career:
Education: Discovered his passion for comedy in the drama club at Santurce Central High School.
Family Influence: His aunt, famous actress Mapy Cortés, helped him land early roles in radio and television.
First Steps: He began as a comedian and actor before pivoting to production, forming Paquito Cordero Productions, Inc. in the early 1960s.

Iconic Productions:
Cordero was a powerhouse behind some of the most influential programs in Puerto Rican culture:
El Show de las 12: Premiered January 11, 1965; it became a staple of island life and featured stars like El Gran Combo.
Noche de Gala: A prestigious variety show (1972–2007) that hosted international stars and helped elevate the local music scene.
Filmography: Produced movies such as El Alcalde de Machuchal (1964) and Un Latin Lover en Acapulco (1968).