Carlos Calderón: The Architect of His Own Destiny Who Thrives on Hoy Día

Triumphant return to Latino morning television: Carlos Calderón on Hoy Día

Resilience after leaving Univision

Architect and successful beauty entrepreneur

The story of Carlos Calderón is, above all, a lesson in resilience and maintaining a positive outlook on life.

After becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Spanish-language television for decades, the Mexican host has proven that true strength does not come from avoiding failure, but from rising again with even greater determination.

Today, as a key member of Hoy Día on Telemundo, Calderón spoke with MundoNow about his journey — from his days as an architecture student in Mexico to becoming a symbol of perseverance.

From architecture blueprints to a Pepsi commercial

Host Carlos Calderón celebrates his successful return to morning television with Hoy Día — Photo by @mclarenray

Few people know that Carlos Calderón’s career in front of the camera did not begin by choice, but out of necessity. While studying architecture at Universidad Iberoamericana, he made an agreement with his father to help finance his education.

“My father wanted me to attend a public university… he would pay for four years, and the other four I had to figure out on my own,” the host recalled.

His entry into modeling happened accidentally. After taking a catalog of his own photographs to an agency in hopes of offering his services as a photographer, he unexpectedly walked away with a five-year modeling contract.

His first major opportunity came through a Pepsi commercial tied to a concert by Shakira, where he was originally supposed to appear only as an extra.

“The script they gave me said ‘shoe.’ My role was basically someone climbing onto the stage and getting dragged away by security, but only the shoe would be visible… the director liked me so much that I ended up becoming the lead in the commercial,” he said laughing.

Carlos Calderón’s leap to the United States and competing against Cristina

The Mexican presenter continues strengthening his connection with Telemundo audiences — PHOTO: Mezcalent

The transition to the U.S. market happened after a producer invited him to Los Angeles to host a couples-focused television show on Telemundo — ironically competing against one of the biggest ratings giants of the era.

“To this day I still know nothing about ratings… but I did know we were taking audience away from Cristina, and it caught my attention because one day we noticed Cristina was doing a couples show to compete with us,” Carlos Calderón explained.

After appearing on legendary shows like Lente Loco and serving as a reporter for Primer Impacto, Calderón eventually joined El Gordo y la Flaca. His natural curiosity pushed him to learn every technical aspect of television production.

“My first interview was with Thalía; celebrities never impressed me because architects impress me… I loved understanding the creative minds of music artists, and before I knew it, five or six years had passed and I had learned everything,” he shared.

Resilience after leaving Despierta América

Carlos Calderón: “True strength is knowing how to get back up.” — Photo by @mclarenray

One of the most discussed moments of his career was his departure from Univision after years of success on Despierta América. For many, it could have represented the end of a career. For Carlos Calderón, however, it became the beginning of professional diversification and personal growth.

“Emotionally it’s difficult, and if you stay planted in sadness for too long, you suffer. But I had already gone through it before. My mind searched for a solution, and during that process I did things I had never done before,” he admitted.

During his time away from television, Carlos did not remain idle. He reconnected with his passion for architecture by designing and remodeling homes, while also launching the company Gelato for Your Face alongside his wife, Vanessa Lyon.

“We created a frozen face mask formula that hydrates and tones the skin. We went as a Mexican family to a laboratory in Miami with our son in a stroller and coolers… we pitched the idea to the owner, and he couldn’t believe it,” he explained while discussing his entrepreneurial side.

The triumphant return of Carlos Calderón to Hoy Día

Carlos Calderón Hoy Día Exclusive Interview

Beyond television, Calderón has also found success as both an architect and businessman. Life eventually rewarded his persistence when, after his contract hold with his former network ended, Telemundo invited him to join the company.

His return has proven highly successful, including major audience milestones.

“We became number one in ratings, beating Despierta América several times… Now I’m hosting a program I truly love. We are the only show in any language that continues growing its audience,” he said proudly.

Overcoming controversy and prioritizing family

Carlos Calderón and his wife Vanessa Lyon, creators of Gelato for Your Face — PHOTO: Mezcalent

Carlos also addressed the personal controversies and rumors surrounding his relationship with Vanessa Lyon. His approach, he explained, was silence and trust in the truth.

“When the gates of hell open, all the demons come out… My advice is simple: if you know the truth, you don’t need to say anything. Lies eventually collapse on their own,” he stated.

For him, protecting his family remained the highest priority.

“I strongly believe in fighting for your family and not destroying it over gossip. I ignored the demons and chose love instead.”

Finally, the host shared a message of positivity with MundoNow’s audience, encouraging people to care for their mental and emotional health.

“What you feed your mind fills your heart, and from there come your actions. Be careful about what your mind consumes because that’s what eventually comes out through your words. We need more positive voices,” Carlos Calderón concluded.