Marco Enríquez-Ominami Bio: Age, Parents, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Films, Children, Wife, Political Party

Marco Antonio Enríquez-Ominami Gumucio, commonly known as MEO, is a Chilean-French filmmaker, politician, and leader of the Progressive Party, which he founded in 2010.

He gained prominence as a Socialist Party deputy in Chile’s Chamber of Deputies from 2006 to 2010 and as a perennial presidential candidate, running independently in 2009 and for the Progressive Party in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025.

Renowned for his work in political documentaries and his advocacy for progressive policies, MEO has built a reputation as a charismatic figure challenging Chile’s political establishment, often drawing attention for his compelling personal story and media presence.

Profile

• Full Name: Marco Antonio Enríquez-Ominami Gumucio
• Stage Name: MEO
• Born: 12, June 1973
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Santiago, Chile
• Nationality: Chilean-French
• Occupation: Filmmaker and Politician
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Miguel Enríquez Espinosa, and Manuela Gumucio Rivas
• Siblings: Javiera Enríquez, and Miguel Ángel Enríquez
• Spouse: Karen Doggenweiler (m. 2003)
• Children: Manuela Enríquez, and Fernanda Cornejo
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Marco Antonio Enríquez-Ominami Gumucio was born on June 12, 1973, in Santiago, Chile, to Miguel Enríquez Espinosa, founder of the Revolutionary Left Movement (MIR), and Manuela Gumucio Rivas, a journalist and sociologist.

His father was killed in 1974 by Pinochet’s regime, and his family, including siblings Javiera and Miguel Ángel, was exiled to France. Carlos Ominami, a prominent Chilean senator, later adopted him. Marco attended Lycée Victor Hugo in Paris, Alliance Française in Santiago, and Saint George’s College, graduating in 1990.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Chile (1990–1995), where he served as vice president of the philosophy student board. He completed a film directing workshop at La Fémis in Paris in 1996. He is of Spanish, German, Scottish, Bolivian, and Basque descent, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Marco Antonio Enríquez-Ominami Gumucio began his career in filmmaking, leveraging his philosophical background and creative skills. From 1998, as executive director of Rivas y Rivas, he produced and directed short films, television commercials, and documentaries.

His 2002 political documentary, Chile, los héroes están fatigados, opened the 16th FIPA Film Festival in Biarritz and won awards in Serbia, Montenegro, and San Diego.

He taught film production at universities in Chile and Peru, co-founded the satirical newspaper The Clinic, and in 2005 established the ChileMedios Foundation to study television audience behavior. His early political involvement included coordinating campaigns for Ricardo Lagos and his adoptive father, Carlos Ominami.

In 2005, MEO transitioned into politics, winning a seat in Chile’s Chamber of Deputies for District 10 (Valparaíso) as a member of the Socialist Party with a record-breaking 34.34% of the vote. He introduced around 150 bills, many of which were passed, and served on commissions for science, technology, and agriculture.

Frustrated with the Concertación coalition’s lack of primaries, he resigned from the Socialist Party in 2009 to run as an independent presidential candidate, securing 20.13% of the vote and third place. In 2010, he founded the Progressive Party (PRO), which led to notable municipal election successes, including his 2012 win for Arica mayor.

MEO remains a prominent figure in Chilean politics and filmmaking, leading the Progressive Party and advocating for progressive policies like equal rights for sexual minorities and reduced military spending. His 2021 presidential run garnered 7.61% of the vote, and he announced his fifth candidacy for 2025, emphasizing youth mental health and progressive reforms.

His 2017 documentary, Isla de Guerreros: Rapa Ariki Matatoa, explored Rapa Nui’s autonomy, and his role in the Puebla Group reflects his influence in Latin American left-wing politics. Despite legal challenges, including a 2024 case dismissal, MEO continues to shape Chile’s political discourse through media and activism.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @marcoporchile
• Facebook Handle: Marco Enríquez-Ominami
• Twitter Handle: @marcoporchile

Personal Life

Marco Antonio Enríquez-Ominami Gumucio married Chilean television host Karen Doggenweiler on December 7, 2003, after meeting her on the show Buenos Días a Todos.

They have one daughter, Manuela Enríquez, born in 2004, and Marco is a stepfather to Fernanda Cornejo, Karen’s daughter from a previous marriage.

The couple’s high-profile status has amplified their public presence, with Karen’s television career complementing Marco’s political and creative endeavors.

Net Worth

Marco Antonio Enríquez-Ominami Gumucio’s estimated net worth is $1 million. His income is derived from his filmmaking career, which includes producing and directing documentaries, shorts, and television projects, as well as his political activities and media engagements.