Fernando Garcia Tola remains one of the most important figures in the
Spanish Television of the transition era. His poignant and witty
criticism on politics and society along with his versatility in
directing, producing and conducting different kinds of programs, his
writings and his love for painting present him as an unforgettable
personality in the world of Spanish Tv and radio communication.
Garcia Tola left his paternal house when he was just 19 years old, and
moved to Madrid where he started his career as a writer.
The way he conceived the tasks of TV production and realization meant a
considerable change in the Spanish media. He worked as producer, worked
with the best directors and in 1972 started himself as director of
musical programs where the Franco censors put their remarks and
cuttings. He also directed the program "Nieve" and the comical sketches
by "Tip y Coll".
He became nationwide popular with his program "2 x 2". In 1980 he
directed and presented the series "Flamenco" and in 1981 "Esta Noche"
(Tonight), where Carmen Maura, the known Spanish actress started his
career in the scenic. arts. In 1982 he directed the program "Buenas
Noches". His impetuous personality led him to become the director of
his own program, in 1984, where he was also its host and took charge of
the script. This program was "Si yo fuera Presidente" (If ever I was to
be president), a TV series that caused him some problems because of the
freedom and sincerity with which the guests expressed their opinions.
In 1987 he worked daily for the Spanish radio and in 1988 he went back
to TV, in "Dear Piruli" later on "Corazon". That year he published an
essay entitled "How to make a man completely sad", book that was a best
seller that year. He started a TV society dedicated to the until then
almost inexistent private TV chains. He collaborated with many artists,
like Joaquin Sabina. In 1989 he wrote "My temptations: Ten lessons to
go down to Hell". He dedicated his time to the arts (painting was his
favorite one)and he remained single all his life. He died from a long
illness at the Clinic Ruber in Madrid at 04:00 on July 23 2003. His
ashes remain at the Cemetery of La Almudena in Madrid.
