Leila Benitez-McCollum, journalist
Leila Benitez-McCollum ‑ a Filipino-born American radio and television host, presenter, journalist and broadcaster – died on April 9, 2020 from Covid-19 complications.
Benitez, who was nicknamed as the "first lady of Philippine television", became a household name in the Philippines from the 1950s to the early 1970s due to a string of successful radio and television shows. She was best known for co-hosted Student Canteen, the country's first afternoon variety show, from 1959-64.
Benitez was born in Quezon City, Philippines. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
Benitez was best known for hosting the variety show, Student Canteen, which began as a radio show in the l...