San Diego Pooth, the 21-year-old son of renowned German television presenter Verona Pooth and entrepreneur Franjo Pooth, is making waves in the entertainment world. Born on September 10, 2003, in Cologne, San Diego has grown up in the spotlight, attending public events with his parents from a young age. His recent participation in the popular dance show 'Let’s Dance' has further heightened public interest in his personal life.
San Diego first appeared on television at just 15 years old, joining his mother on the VOX cooking show 'Grill den Henssler.' This was followed by appearances in 2020 on 'Die Hitwisser' and in 2021 on the '80s Show' with Oliver Geissen. However, his life has not just revolved around television appearances; he has also pursued his passions for golf and modeling.
After attending the International School of Düsseldorf, San Diego moved to the United States at 18 to train as a professional golfer at Saddlebrook Academy in Florida. He spent two and a half years at a sports boarding school, driven by his ambition to excel in golf. Yet, in early 2024, he made the difficult decision to abandon his dream of becoming a professional golfer due to the intense competition in the sport. "The competition in golf is very high, and only a tiny fraction of players manage to make a living from it," he told Bild.
Following this change in direction, San Diego enrolled in a private university in Berlin to study product management, which costs around 1,150 euros a month. Despite his studies, he continues to build his modeling career, having walked the runway for Philipp Plein at Milan Fashion Week in 2024. San Diego stands tall at 190 centimeters and is a Virgo, with a younger brother, Rocco Ernesto, born in 2011.
While San Diego's professional life is flourishing, his romantic life has also garnered attention. In 2023, his mother revealed that he had a girlfriend in Florida, although details about their relationship remain scarce. Recently, he posted a photo with a young woman on his Instagram story, leading to speculation about whether this is the same girlfriend or someone new.
As he embarks on a new journey in the entertainment industry, San Diego's participation in the 18th season of 'Let’s Dance' has introduced him to a new challenge. The show, which has become a staple of German television, features contestants from various backgrounds, and San Diego is quickly becoming a fan favorite. His family, including his mother Verona, father Franjo, and brother Rocco, are supportive, although Rocco is unable to attend the live shows due to his age.
On March 28, 2025, the fifth live show of 'Let’s Dance' will air, with San Diego training up to ten hours a day with his professional dance partner, Ekaterina Leonova. Their dedication has impressed both the jury and the audience, making them a couple to watch in the competition. San Diego's father, Franjo, noted that the family rarely sees him due to his rigorous training schedule. Rocco, who is just 13 years old, is not permitted to attend the live shows for youth protection reasons, but he supports his brother from home.
Despite the challenges, Rocco expressed his pride in Diego's newfound passion for dance. He commented on how Diego, who previously had little interest in dancing, has transformed into a dedicated competitor. "Before 'Let’s Dance,' Diego was the last person on earth who would dance voluntarily," Rocco said. "Now, he trains six out of seven days a week, and it’s amazing to see his progress. He dances like a pro!"
San Diego's journey is not just about personal achievements; it reflects the dynamics of a supportive family navigating the complexities of fame and personal aspirations. While his mother Verona and father Franjo cheer him on, Rocco’s admiration for his brother adds another layer of familial pride.
As the competition heats up, viewers are left wondering how far San Diego can go in 'Let’s Dance.' His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of dreams, whether on the golf course, the runway, or the dance floor.
With his modeling career and academic pursuits alongside his dancing, San Diego Pooth is carving out a unique path in the entertainment industry, one that reflects both his heritage and his personal ambitions. As audiences tune in each week to see his performances, they are not just witnessing a young man's journey but also the evolving narrative of a family that continues to inspire.
