When discussing Cuban humor, several unforgettable figures come to mind. After Cheo Malanga (Enrique Arredondo), Pototo and Filomeno, La Mulatísima, and Guillermo Álvarez Guedes, others emerged who continued to make us laugh; one of them honors me today with this conversation.
Who doesn't remember the Secretary in "Jura decir la verdad" or Gustavito in "Sabadazo"? Well, today we speak with Geonel Martín, who takes us back to those shows that are so sorely missed on current Cuban television.
You know? It's really hard for me to call you Geonel.
Ah! Well, just tell me how you want, Julita. We've been friends for many years for this reason. Hahaha...
What are you doing in Miami, and how long have you been in this area?
I decided to come in 2017. I brought my children so they could have the future that every parent dreams of. And, of course, I wanted to test myself here, where you have to play "tough and without a glove," but happily, I succeeded, and that's what I have been doing since I arrived: shows, cabarets... and now I'm immersed in a project on social media, as it's the latest trend, and I feel like a kid. Hahaha...
Who is Geonel Martín?
I am from Centro Habana. I used to like football. Well, I had a girlfriend in Puentes Grandes, where, as you know, the stadium is located, one of the places where football entered Cuba. I met who is, for me, the best football player in Cuba, Jesús Valdés; not much is said about him because he has been heavily criticized. I hold a degree in Education. I studied at the Higher Pedagogical Institute for Technical and Vocational Education “Héctor Alfredo Pineda Zaldívar.” I was always making hundreds of jokes since I was in school, until the Pagola La Paga group was formed at the University, and from there, I continued with humor up to today.
Sports?
Hahahaha. Once, I wore the shirt of the FAR Sports Club (Revolutionary Armed Forces) and had to play a few minutes against Las Villas, if I remember correctly. Otherwise, they would have lost due to a field foul; that’s my baseball experience as a student.
You’ve already mentioned that you came for your children; what does family mean to you?
Phew! My family is my priority; that's what my parents instilled in me, and thanks to them, I learned my values, like being a good father, son, and friend, as well as ethics... Ethics that have been lost. Respect and loyalty are the foundations of my journey at all times.
I have two wonderful children. One is 20 years old and now lives in another state; his name is Geonel, just like mine, and I feel like a part of me is missing. However, thank God, the youngest, Abdul, who is 11 years old, chose to be with me, which shows that my dedication to them is not in vain.
My dad lives here and is 93 years old. He is one of the most admirable and kindest people you could meet, a truly exemplary father. A highly regarded dentist, and it's not just me saying that; everyone who knows him would agree.
Did you work outside of humor? I don't remember you without making me laugh.
Well, yes. I've worked on dramatic pieces: three novels, one crime story, and a film... But I tell you, it was thanks to my mom, because she would tell the directors that I acted seriously too... hahaha. Because it was at my house where we rehearsed when Pagola La Paga was happening; they practically lived there.
Later, we practiced "Sabadazo," "Pánfilo," "Jura decir la verdad," and many of the novels from Cuba, since my house was spacious and well-positioned.
What does it mean to you to have been the Secretary in "Jura decir la verdad," considering it was a perfect remake of "La Tremenda Corte"?
For me, it was an unforgettable experience, as it was a character I put a lot of effort into. I understood its significance at the time. Remember that “La Tremenda Corte” is still heard throughout Latin America. With that character, I won the Caricatos award in the humor category; of course, it has nothing to do with the original Secretary, but I wanted to add that touch of ambiguity because back then, in the 1940s, gay individuals were often rejected.
What other roles do you remember, both on television and in other media?
Well, for me, Gustavito and Maricusa are my everything; I am who I am because of them.
How many years did you work in humor in Cuba?
In fact, I have been in humor for 36 years now.
Actors and actresses of Cuban humor who have made you laugh to the point of tears.
Tough question… I won't list them in order, just as they come to mind: Enrique Arredondo, Álvarez Guedes, Omar Franco, Ángel García, Osvaldo Doimeadiós, Alexis Valdés (as Cristinito), and Yudith González (Magdalena la Pelúa). I can tell you about Ulises (Toirac), a great talent from Cuba and a dear friend of mine, known for creating many characters and the show “Jura decir la verdad”; I remember he once awarded me for my acting, and ever since, he always says he never made a mistake… haha…
"Big Saturday" in your life, that little Gustavito who captivated everyone; that interaction among all of you, most of whom are here today in Miami…
Of course, "Sabadazo" was, is, and will remain the most significant comedic event and the largest program in the history of Cuban television; these are not my words, but rather the general sentiment I have heard over the years.
A casting was held at the Napoleonic Museum, and I went with my group; it's worth noting that all the comedians were there... and as soon as Carlos Otero walked in, he told Julio Pulido (the director): "Don't look any further, that one, that one..." referring to me. That's why I say, I am who I am thanks to my mom, my group, Churrisco, Pulido, and of course, the greatest of all entertainers, Carlos Otero.
You must have many anecdotes from that program. It was a wonderful time when we met, and I used to smile just from crossing paths with you in the hallways of ICRT. You have always been a humorous, respectful, and friendly person. Do you remember those days?
Girl, for what? Of course I remember, as if it were today. You with your pile of baseball cassette tapes to do your "Out at Home," and me with my scripts on top, both of us running... Those were such times, full of youth, a desire to do, to say, to dream! I've told you many anecdotes. For instance, there's Guajiro (Ángel García, ‘Antolín El Pichón’), who is a master in every sense of the word—grumpy, but noble and kind. Just imagine, I lived with him here for seven years; we made the trip and settled down together. Whenever I was driving, I'd start singing in the car like a madman, and he would crouch down so no one could see him and say, “Hey, Gustavito, don’t you think you’re a bit too old for that?”
And Coqui (García), what can I say? My brother since childhood, we studied together all the way to university.
From Guajiro, I want to share that when we were here dealing with paperwork to bring our families, my mother passed away in Cuba, and I couldn't go because it was during COVID, and traveling was not possible. Imagine the helplessness, so many emotions! But he stayed by my side all night so I wouldn't be alone. And the cruel twists of life, some time later, his son passed away, and I had to be there for him... In the end, that’s what those of us who emigrate go through.
I used to play four corners, and in those games between comedians and singers, actors like Armando Tomey would also participate—he "gave up" four strikes once... I remember the perfect game I pitched at the Latino, which was played among the artists, and Mr. Agustín Marquetti told me that I had to step aside for the sake of fairness... hahaha... The game was between everyone, comedians against singers.
Cuba from a distance, a longing or just a memory?
Cuba is where I was born and raised, its scents, its musicality, my friends, my first girlfriends... in short! But none of that remains. Cuba is destroyed, devoid of joy, filled with sadness. That's why I say that Miami is my country, in a joking manner, because I love it, I am fascinated by Miami. The United States, this great country, welcomed me like one of its own, and that's why I brought my family here, who I know will always be grateful to me.
Period, and on a different note: today I voted as a citizen of this country! And one last anecdote, one that involves you. Do you remember the day at Latino when you said to me, “Gustavito, Lázaro Junco never laughs. See if you can make him laugh”? Well, I don’t even remember what I said, but he laughed… hahaha…
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