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The well-known Cuban actor Juan Carlos Roque Moreno stated that returning to Cuba after a temporary stay in Spain was a decision filled with courage and determination.
"Returning (to Cuba) was a brave decision. I wasn't going to stay in a place that was affecting me both physically and psychologically," Roque confessed in an interview with the news portal OnCuba.
He also explained that during his stay in Spain, the country to which he emigrated in 2023, he faced serious personal and professional difficulties, as the work projects he had hoped for did not materialize, complicating his adjustment while he tried to explore new opportunities.
The actor, who is also a Spanish citizen, acknowledged that this was the first time he decided to explore options outside of Cuba, despite having had several previous opportunities: “I had never wanted to travel until that moment. However, the plans that seemed to be going smoothly fell through.”
He recounted that during his stay in the European nation, he faced health issues that affected his vision, prompting him to reassess his priorities.
"In short, the happiest place is alongside family," emphasized the actor, who found in his return to Cuba an opportunity to recover and continue developing as a professional.
Roque also reflected on the difficulties faced by Cuban artists seeking opportunities abroad, noting that many of his colleagues in Spain work in different sectors to make ends meet while trying to keep their passion for the arts alive.
"Actors like us who have the opportunity to travel abroad should not do so with the hope of advancing in our profession outside the island, unless we have been contracted beforehand. The reality of being an immigrant is very different," he stated, emphasizing the sacrifices involved in these processes.
Roque's return to Cuba reflects a decision marked by bravery and pragmatism, driven by his commitment to family and his passion for art. Currently, the actor continues to work on television and theater projects in his country, reaffirming his dedication to the cultural development of the island.
Recognized for his remarkable career in film, the actor has participated in movies such as Suite Habana (2003), Conducta (2014), and Kangamba (2008), works that have shaped his career.
Although born on April 4, 1965, in Havana, the actor has also left an indelible mark on Cuban theater and television.
Among her most memorable work on television are roles in productions such as Bajo el mismo sol (2011) and El rostro de los días (2020), reaffirming her talent and artistic versatility across various formats.
In 2022, Roque stated that he lived "in a sad, fractured country abandoned by more than a million of its children," referring to the crisis the nation was facing, particularly during a wave of repression against the protests that erupted following widespread blackouts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Juan Carlos Roque Moreno's Decision to Return to Cuba
Why did Juan Carlos Roque Moreno decide to return to Cuba?
Juan Carlos Roque Moreno decided to return to Cuba because he faced personal and professional difficulties in Spain that impacted his physical and mental health. The actor felt that the happiest place for him is beside his family in Cuba, and he saw his return as an opportunity to recover and continue his professional development.
What challenges do Cuban actors face when seeking opportunities abroad?
Cuban actors seeking opportunities abroad face significant challenges, such as the lack of prior contracts and the necessity of working in fields unrelated to the arts to make ends meet. Many actors find themselves taking on jobs in other sectors while trying to keep their passion for art alive, which reflects the harsh reality of being an immigrant.
How has the situation in Spain influenced Roque Moreno's decision to return to Cuba?
During his stay in Spain, Roque Moreno was unable to achieve the expected work projects, which complicated his adaptation and affected his health. These health issues, along with the lack of professional opportunities, led him to reassess his priorities, ultimately deciding to return to Cuba to be closer to his family and continue his career in a more favorable environment.
What message does Juan Carlos Roque Moreno convey about the reality of Cuban immigrants?
Juan Carlos Roque Moreno emphasizes that the reality for Cuban immigrants is very different from their initial expectations. He warns that traveling abroad does not guarantee professional development in the artistic field and that having a prior contract is essential to avoid disappointments and unnecessary sacrifices.
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