In a recent interview with Dominican YouTuber Dany Pérez, known as Destino Tolk, Cuban actor Armando Tomey shared details about his life and the reasons that led him to emigrate to the United States.
Recognized for his role in iconic Cuban television soap operas such as “Sol de Batey,” Tomey recounted how economic difficulties, professional limitations, and the constant struggle to survive in Cuba led him to make a life-changing decision: to leave his country in search of stability and new opportunities.
“In Cuba, I lived to survive, not to thrive,” Tomey stated during the interview, describing his daily life on the island as that of a “survivor.”
Despite having achieved a prominent artistic career that made him one of the most recognized actors of his generation, Tomey stated that economic hardships and restrictions imposed on the cultural sector led him to feel that his potential was constrained.
"My career was long and successful, but I always felt like I was struggling against a wall," confessed the popular artist.
A graduate of the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) in 1981, he began his career in theater, where he developed his style and passion for acting.
However, his leap to television with "Sol de Batey," one of the most popular telenovelas of the time, propelled him to fame across the country.
Although this series marked the beginning of a prolific career in Cuban television, it also left him with bittersweet memories due to criticism of his acting style, which motivated him to prove his worth in subsequent projects.
Tomey worked on countless television productions, including telenovelas, adventure series, comedies, and dramas, which established him as a familiar face in Cuban households.
However, despite the recognition, low income and constant difficulties in accessing basic resources made her personal life full of challenges: “It was frustrating to know that, despite my success, I was still just a survivor in my own country.”
The situation worsened when he felt that the cultural environment was rife with restrictions and a lack of creative freedom, which limited his ability to explore new artistic horizons.
"The cultural system in Cuba often suffocated us. There was talent, but there wasn't always the space to fully develop it," remarked the actor, who over time began to see his career as a constant struggle against adverse circumstances.
It was this combination of factors that led Tomey to make the difficult decision to emigrate to the United States in 2013, along with his wife Raisa Ramos and their children.
Although leaving his homeland meant abandoning an established career, the artist assured that he made the decision with his family's future in mind and the hope of finding a more dignified life: “Leaving Cuba was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I knew it was necessary not just to survive, but to truly live.”
Since arriving in the United States, Tomey has shown remarkable adaptability, juggling jobs as an Uber driver alongside his unwavering passion for acting.
In Miami, he found the opportunity to stay connected to the arts by participating in theatrical productions such as Las Lloronas, a play in which he shared the stage with other exiled Cuban actors.
Despite the initial challenges, Tomey expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has found in his new life: “Here, I had to start from scratch, but I have also found stability and a quality of life that was impossible in Cuba.”
The actor also emphasized the importance of the Cuban community in exile, which has supported him and allowed him to remain connected to his cultural roots.
Although he left behind a successful career, he believes that the process of emigrating has helped him grow as a person and appreciate what is truly essential in life: “Reinventing myself has not been easy, but it has given me a completely new perspective on what success and happiness mean,” he stated.
His story reflects the experience of many Cuban artists who, in search of better living conditions, have emigrated and reinvented themselves in new lands.
Tomey acknowledged that, despite the challenges of exile, his decision allowed him to regain something he had lost in Cuba: the hope for a better future.
"I miss many things about my country, but here I can look forward without feeling trapped," concluded the actor, making it clear that although his journey has not been easy, his resilient spirit and love for art have kept him steadfast in his pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Recently, Tomey shared a significant moment in his life on social media as he exercised his right to vote in the United States for the first time.
Frequently asked questions about Armando Tomey and his emigration to the United States
Why did Armando Tomey decide to emigrate to the United States?
Armando Tomey decided to emigrate to the United States due to economic difficulties, professional challenges, and a lack of creative freedom in Cuba. Despite his success in Cuban television, he felt that his potential was limited and that his life was that of a "survivor." He was seeking a more stable and dignified future for himself and his family.
How has Armando Tomey's adaptation been in the United States?
Armando Tomey has shown great adaptability in the United States. Since his arrival, he has balanced work as an Uber driver with his passion for acting, participating in theatrical productions in Miami. Although he started from scratch, he has found stability and a quality of life that he believes is impossible in Cuba.
What impact did exercising his right to vote in the United States have on Armando Tomey?
Exercising his right to vote in the United States was a significant moment for Armando Tomey, as at 69 years old, he voted for the first time in a democratic process. This act highlighted the contrast between his life in Cuba and the opportunities for civic participation he found in his new country.
How does Armando Tomey assess his decision to emigrate to the United States?
Armando Tomey views his decision to emigrate to the United States positively, despite the initial challenges. He believes that the move allowed him to regain hope for a better future and provided him with a new perspective on success and happiness. Although he misses Cuba, he values the opportunity to look ahead without feeling trapped.
Filed under:
