During the 2024 Emmys telecast, Cris Abrego stepped onto the stage after being introduced by John Leguizamo and spoke about representation and the need to keep going further with creating opportunities for diverse communities. But who is Abrego, the first Latino Chair of the Television Academy?
Abrego is an American television producer, writer, and the former CEO of Endemol Shine North America, a company that produces and distributes scripted and unscripted television and digital content. Among the shows produced by the company are The Biggest Loser, Dancing With the Stars, and MasterChef, as well as series like The Office, Ugly Betty, and The Tudors.
He has also created reality shows like The Surreal Life, Flavor of Love, I Love New York, La La’s Full Court Life, and Bridal Plasty, and is considered one of the early architects of the reality TV genre.
In November 2023, the Television Academy elected Abrego as its chair for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024.
Abrego is currently the CEO of Hyphenate Media Group, a media holding company and premium content studio he co-founded alongside Eva Longoria. Before being elected as chair of the Television Academy, he served on the Television Academy’s executive committee and as chair of the Television Academy Foundation since 2021.
Ahead of tonight’s Emmys, Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro released the following statement to recognize the achievements of Cris Abrego, the first Latino chair of the Television Academy:
“Tonight, Cris Abrego will make history as the first Latino Television Academy chair to preside over television’s biggest night. For decades, Cris has been a trailblazer and successful entrepreneur — helping to shape modern entertainment and elevate underrepresented voices in Hollywood. As Latinos push for greater representation in American media and entertainment, tonight’s Emmy Awards marks an important step forward. Congratulations to Cris and all those who will follow in his footsteps.”
Cris Abrego also got to hang out with Gloria Calderon Kellett on the red carpet for the 2024 Emmys, where they talked each other up.