Judy and Richard Montañez attend the 2023 NHMC Impact Awards Gala.Photo:JC Olivera/Getty
JC Olivera/Getty
Richard Montañez’s wife, Judy Montañez, has long been his biggest supporter.
Before theA Boy, a Burrito, and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executiveauthor made a name for himself forhis claimed involvementin inventing Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, he and Judy lived a humble life in California.
Richard’s story about how he invented the spicy snack while working as a janitor at a Frito-Lay factory was told in detail inFlamin’ Hot,Eva Longoria’s 2023 biographical comedy-drama film, and while he’s been active in the public eye since then, Judy remains private.
Thanks to Richard’s Instagram, followers get a glimpse into his and Judy’s family life, which consists of three adult children, grandkids and great-grandkids. The couple have been together since at least 1976 and Richard has been outspoken about how influential Judy has been in his life and legacy.
“My wife has always been brilliant,” Richard said inan October 2023 interview. “The leadership of a woman is just so powerful, incredible.”
So who is Richard Montañez’s wife? Here’s everything to know about Judy Montañez and her relationship with entrepreneur.
Judy Montañez in June 2023.Billy Bennight/AdMedia via ZUMA Press/Alamy
Billy Bennight/AdMedia via ZUMA Press/Alamy
Annie Gonzalez, who played Judy in Longoria’s film, spoke toCassius Lifein June 2023 about tackling the role. Gonzalez shared that Judy was worried about how her life would be portrayed on-screen after mingling with different people on the street.
“When I met with Judy, I remember she was really nervous because she was like, ‘I’ve worked so hard to shed that part of my life. It wasn’t a good time. I don’t want people to see that. I really work hard to be this Christian woman that you see before you today,' ” Gonzalez explained.
Richard Montañez and his sons in 2020.Richard Montanez/Instagram
Richard Montanez/Instagram
Although the early life of the couple’s boys, Lucky and Steven, is shown inFlamin’ Hot, they also have a third child. Like their mom, they don’t have public social media pages. Still, Richard enjoys talking about them and their families on Instagram.
In the movie, viewers see how Judy’s first pregnancy helped motivate Richard change the course of his life.
Judy’s daughter-in-law, Nichole, is also vocal about how she and Richard have positively impacted her life.
“How good is God!”Nichole captioned a throwback photoof Judy and Richard in June 2023. “He can make the impossible, possible. He can use anyone that is willing and will move mountains to accomplish it. This couple are the ones that say, ‘Use me God’ whether it was at the Frito-Lay plant, or a break room at target distribution.”
“They have always shared Jesus,” she continued. “I think it’s so crazy to see them now share Jesus on a huge platform, Hollywood! This movie is just a small part of their life, if you know them there is so much more! (I’ve lived with them for 20 years, I have the scoop)😂.”
Richard and Judy Montañez attend SXSW in March 2023.Tim Mosenfelder/Getty
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty
Warren wrote “The Fire Inside” for Longoria’s film. The track was nominated for an Oscar and Becky Gperformed the original songat the star-studded ceremony in March 2024.
In November 2023, Warren opened up about how much writing the song meant to her. “It’s such the American dream,” she said duringDeadline’sSound and Screen event at the time. “When I wrote the song, it was kind of like my anthem, too. The fire inside is a double entendre.”
“You need passion because when you have the fire inside nothing can stop you,” Warren added.
After the Oscars, Judy’s daughter-in-lawshared on Instagram: “Richard and Judy we are so proud of you, When everyone said no you two didn’t give up. You believed the world needed to hear about the fire that God has placed in all of us along with His love, grace and His faithfulness, and they did and will continue to every time this movie and song are played for years to come.”
Judy and Richard Montañez at the 2023 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.Geisler-Fotopress GmbH / Alamy
Geisler-Fotopress GmbH / Alamy
Judy has played a major part in Richard’s story: Beyond being his wife, Judy has also been his biggest supporter. InFlamin’ Hot, she often hypes him up, continually pushing him to be the best version of himself.
“Without her there wouldn’t be this product,” he said during aSXSW interview. “Well, there wouldn’t be me, to tell you the truth.”
source: people.com