Pink! Naturally! And lots of platform under your feet. Jorge González knows how to put himself in the spotlight. It’s his trademark. And his fans love him for that. We arranged to meet him at the Adam Opel Haus – to ask four questions and take beautiful pictures with the new Opel Grandland. Before that, let’s take a look at his colorful life.
Jorge Alexis González Madrigal Varona Vila was born on August 11, 1967 in Cuba. At 17, he left his homeland and studied nuclear ecology in Bratislava – graduating with top grades. The calendar shows the early 1990s – Jorge is passionate about modeling, styling and choreography. Passions that received less attention in the Eastern Bloc at the time. So he moves to Germany, where he starts over. Inspired by his passion, he works as a choreographer for fashion shows for Gianni Versace, Vivienne Westwood and Laura Biagiotti, among others. Jorge’s trademark: The loud, open, charming laugh. His expression for Cuban joy of life.
Jorge González poses at the new top SUV. He also drives a Grandland in his private life – “when I drive it, I feel very safe.”
Looking back, it’s logical that the shrill Cuban finds his way onto the big stage. First step: The casting show “Germany’s Next Top Model”, where he shows everyone how damn good he is at the catwalk. Jorge is colorful, authentic, funny and quick-witted. He delivered his charming sayings just as accurately as his record-breaking high shoes. He quickly becomes a crowd favorite. He writes down his eventful life and publishes it in the book “Hola Chicas! On the catwalk of my life” A year later, VOX shows how Jorge helps women walk upright and have more self-confidence in his “Chicas Walk Academy” in Hamburg. In 2016 he launched his own hairstyling brand and a fragrance line.
An entertainment fixture
Last but not least: His wonderful jury role in “Let’s Dance”. He has been filling the show with life and laughter since 2013 together with Motsi Mabuse and Joachim Llambi. His wild and elaborate looks regularly fill the pixels of home devices. Internationally he is on “E! Entertainment” became a fixture and caused a sensation on the US show “The World’s Best” (CBS), hosted by James Corden. In a rapidly changing TV world, Jorge González is one thing above all: unmistakable and unique.
The entertainer has been associated with the Opel brand’s Cuban roots for over ten years.
Jorge González puts the Opel Mokka in the spotlight at a photo shoot in Hamburg.
Opel Post: How long have you been part of the Opel family?
Jorge González: I asked myself that too when I came to the Adam Opel House today. My story with Opel started around 2011. At that time I was on Germany’s Next Top Model – and Opel presented little Adam. I’ve been driving an Opel ever since. Currently a Grandland. I like the cars with the lightning. The Opel family is like a home for me. What few people know is that my first apartment in Germany was here very close to Rüsselsheim – in Kelsterbach.
What type of driver are you?
Jorge laughs heartily. I am a very careful driver. My father always said that a good driver doesn’t drive aggressively. He takes care of himself and others. I internalized that. I don’t know that much about cars – but when I’m driving around in my Grandland I feel very safe. A good, comfortable car.
What do you like about Opel?
The current design. Opel has managed to create a new look. A new image. I notice that more and more people are looking at the cars. Some also speak to me directly and say “Oh, you drive an Opel – cool car”.
What have you enjoyed most about your career so far?
He tilts his head back and thinks. Phew, difficult question. After all the projects and shows, I’m known everywhere. As a bird of paradise. I appreciate that people here accept me for who I am. Of course, I have a lot of fun with Let’s Dance. A great show! What fulfills me even more: When I support aid organizations for children. And meet the little ones. How they smile and laugh – without knowing who I am or what I do. That completely fulfills me.
The Opel product tester has also already gotten up close and personal with the Crossland.
November 2024
Text: Dani Heyne; Photos: Markus Nass, Opel Archive