Alexis Valdés after the death of Carlos Massola: "What a pity that his life, sometimes, many times, was not better."

The Cuban actor and comedian Alexis Valdés is one of many artists who have expressed their deep sadness on social media following the death of his colleague Carlos Massola.

On his Instagram account, Valdés shared a lengthy text in which he recalls how he met Massola and moments they shared together at Radio Progreso.

"Very good guy Carlos Massola. We met in the 80s. He was an actor who had done several significant things. I was just starting out a bit more. We did a radio novela together. It was the first time they accepted young actors at Radio Progreso. It was directed by Carlos Vilela. And there were also Luisa María Jiménez, Renecito de la Cruz, Marlén Castell, Irela Bravo (who was a classic of radio), and some names that one always unforgivably forgets," Alexis began to say.

"With Carlos Massola, it was all laughter. With his phone pranks. Epic. And with a parody that he and I had invented about how one would behave if they encountered a bear on the street. And then we acted it out. He was the bear. We pretended to cross paths and I would try to greet him casually. As if he were just another individual. And we would burst out laughing. And we would try to do it once more. And again we would be in stitches. And over the years, whenever we met, we would give each other a big hug," the comedian recalled.

For Alexis, behind that bulky body and the negative characters he portrayed was a big heart: “He had that bulky body and that tough face, which allowed him to interpret those dangerous, intricate, difficult characters. Tough guys. But behind all that, there was a very noble, very genuine human being, kind, affectionate, sociable, brave, and with an infinite desire to laugh.”

"What a shame that people who make our lives better leave us so soon. What a shame that their life, at times, many times, wasn't better, as I believe they deserved. I love you, brother. When we meet again, we'll share our greeting and laugh again. What a shame everything. But I will remember you as funny, always playing like a child," Alexis lamented at the end of his writing.

In addition to the comedian, other artists have also reacted to the passing of Massola on July 3rd. The Cuban community remembers him not only for his talent but also for his integrity and bravery in expressing his political opinions against the dictatorship on the island, facing the adversities that this brought to his career and personal life.