Montserrat Ontiveros: Where is the Iconic Host of ‘The Weakest Rival’ Now?
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Mexican television icon Montserrat Ontiveros captivated audiences as the host of the popular game show The Weakest Rival for seven years. But what happened to the sharp-tongued presenter after she stepped away from the spotlight? This article delves into Ontiveros’s career, her life after television, and her current whereabouts.
The Reign of ‘The Weakest Rival’
Without a doubt, The Weakest Rival remains one of the most remembered programs in Mexican television history. Premiering in 2002 on TV Azteca, the show pitted contestants against each other in a battle of general knowledge, with a grand prize of up to 200,000 pesos at stake. Each round culminated in a vote to eliminate the “weakest rival.” Montserrat Ontiveros hosted the show until 2009, becoming synonymous with its success.
Fans fondly remember Ontiveros’s sarcastic wit and professional demeanor, qualities many believe were essential to the show’s appeal. When the contest briefly returned in 2013 with Lolita Cortés as host, it failed to recapture the magic of the original, leading many to believe Ontiveros’s unique style was irreplaceable.
From Television to Theater and Beyond
Montserrat Ontiveros, born June 15, 1960, is a multifaceted Mexican host and actress. Beyond The Weakest Rival, she appeared in several renowned programs and soap operas, including Pink Shoelaces, Strapped, Small Town, Big Hell, Life in the Mirror, Get on My Motorcycle, and Woman Real Life Cases. Her last television appearance was in the 2010 melodrama, Mujer comprada.
Surprisingly, after Mujer comprada, Ontiveros largely retired from television, a decision that surprised many of her followers. However, she reemerged in 2024 with a theatrical monologue titled The Shadow, signaling a new chapter in her career.
A Private Life and a Move to Norway
Ontiveros has always maintained a degree of privacy regarding her personal life. She is married to Juan Gutiérrez-Maupomé, and the couple shares two children. Following her departure from The Weakest Rival, she made a significant life change, relocating to Norway with her family over a decade ago.
While in Norway, she has continued to pursue her passion for performance, occasionally staging plays. In 2024, she presented a performance in tribute to Frida Kahlo, delivered entirely in Spanish. At that time, she hinted at the possibility of returning to Mexico, sparking speculation among fans. She also revealed she had received offers to reprise her role as host of a new edition of The Weakest Rival, but ultimately declined.
Montserrat Ontiveros Today
As of early 2025, Montserrat Ontiveros is 65 years old. She maintains a relatively low profile and is not particularly active on social media. Her most recent photo surfaced at the end of 2024, during her Frida Kahlo monologue performance. Her last Instagram post, dating back to the end of January 2025, was a heartfelt farewell to a person named Tolita, who had passed away that month.
“For what we have done and what we have learned, beautiful Tolita, thank you so much. Goodbye,” Ontiveros wrote.
Currently, it remains unknown whether she has moved from Norway or plans to return to Mexico permanently. Despite the years that have passed, her devoted followers continue to express their desire to see her back on television.
