Dear Luis, you will forgive me, but it is good for people to know a few things — at least a hint, as the English would say — to get an idea of who Luis Fermoso is.
I tell people yes, if they have read that Luis was an important guy at Canal Plus and Movistar Plus, it’s true, but that’s not enough. Luis (who passed away at 53) was not only the voice, the wit, and the author of legendary reports on El día después or Informe Robinson. Beyond gravesinha, Tittyschev, Los amigos de Iker or Manute — four simple examples among dozens of stories — Luis is a key figure to understand a way of telling stories at Canal Plus and Movistar Plus that has brought us from the nineties until today.
And that is so because Luis had it built-in. No masters, no godfathers except maybe the Englishman — that’s what we called Michael Robinson — whose main mantra was “do whatever the hell you want.”
What you see of Luis in so many pieces is a distinctive narrative talent and all the charm, wit, and an impressive voice that could have taken him wherever he wanted. Just with excerpts of his narrations, we could travel from the nineties to today through wonderful stories. But all this is already known by now.
The most important thing for me is what has not been seen of Luis. I remember very well, for example, when we had to pave where there was only field — especially at the beginning of Informe Robinson, 2007-2009 — and push forward the strangest and bravest stories — to the do whatever the hell you want we add here this round is on me. Often these were bets that involved tensions and frustrations that without Luis would have been very hard to pull off, as my colleagues of many years also well know.
But what defines Luis the most is his generosity. Luis was the best at defending the stronghold. If a colleague truly believed in a story, Luis was there to support them even when he wasn’t sure. If a tough assignment-report fell, Luis always stepped forward. The work came first, but it wasn’t the most important thing. If someone around needed anything, Luis would never let you down.
Even if only for his generous soul, Luis was the best. Getting the tough job done, helping colleagues, trying to make sure everyone worked well, recognizing ourselves in what we did, holding the program together, fulfilling assignments… Luis’s green backpack was always the heaviest of all. Even for him. Nothing was easy. Luis has been very important on TV, but many of us know he could have been even more. I wish he had been listened to more.
Anyway. I’m glad to read that so many colleagues have expressed their affection for Luis on social media and that the media echo how important he has been. He deserves no less.
Now yes, dear friend, I imagine you moved, overwhelmed by everything you’ve stirred up and also, why not say it, laughing out loud at times, with that sharp humor so yours and so fitting for these occasions. We are very sad, but also happy and grateful to have had you close. Here is the best, your princess, your Bea, your children Javi and Lucas, your family, those from the little square, the monkeys, the TV friends, the pitaco folks and so many people who love you so much. We have all promised not to stop celebrating you as you would like with plenty of beers and laughter and more beers and more laughter. In Salamanca, Madrid, Orexa or Tarancón. It doesn’t matter. We love you, Luis.
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