Mayra Gómez Kemp (1948–2024) was a Cuban-Spanish television host, actress, and singer whose pioneering career made her a beloved figure in Spain. Born in Havana to a family of performers, she moved with her family as a child to Puerto Rico, then Venezuela, and eventually the U.S., before settling in Spain in the early 1970s.
She first gained wide public recognition on Spanish television through Un, dos, tres… responda otra vez, a popular quiz show created by Chicho Ibáñez Serrador. Mayra hosted the show from 1982 until 1988 — making her the first woman in the world to host a TV quiz show in prime time. Her vibrant personality, sharp memory (she memorized hundreds of pages of script every week), and signature phrase “¡Hasta aquí puedo leer!” endeared her to millions.
Beyond game shows, Gómez Kemp showcased her versatility. She was part of the Trío Acuario singing group, then released a solo album called Una Dama. She also acted on stage (notably as Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show) and later hosted other TV programs, including the Spanish version of Wheel of Fortune — La ruleta de la fortuna — on Antena 3. Her contributions were recognized in 2013 when she received the prestigious Premio Iris Toda una Vida from the Spanish Television Academy.
Gómez Kemp’s later life included profound personal challenges. She survived cancer of the tongue and later of the throat, becoming a vocal advocate for cancer awareness. In October 2024, she passed away at age 76 after a serious fall in her home. Her death sparked a wave of tributes across Spanish media — a testament to the lasting legacy of a trailblazing entertainer whose warmth and resilience left an indelible mark.