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The Cuban actor, comedian, and writer Alexis Valdés shared a heartfelt message on his social media after learning about the death of Mario Vargas Llosa, whom he described as “the writer who has illuminated, inspired, accompanied, and captivated me throughout my life.”
"A few days ago, I wrote for his birthday. Today, for his passing," Valdés began in a post shared on his social media accounts, accompanied by an extensive text in which he paid tribute to the Peruvian writer.
Valdés recounted that he had the privilege of taking a class with him in a literature course, an experience he described as “unforgettable lessons,” and also that he met him briefly at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where he confessed his admiration: “Maestro, I said, I am a great admirer of your work.”
The actor recalled that Vargas Llosa told him that his favorite novel was *La tía Julia y el escribidor*. “What a shame not to see the film version,” Valdés added, who also expressed his impression of having had “that brief moment of intimacy with an unattainable man.”
In his tribute, he recalled his accolades such as the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Cervantes Prize, and the Rómulo Gallegos Prize, describing him as "a great thinker. An exquisite intellectual." He added, "A luxury of a citizen in any city where he lived."
Valdés expressed regret that figures like Vargas Llosa are judged for their ideological stance: “In this polarized world, culturally trivialized, burdened, disoriented, and diminished, some people focus more on their ideological preferences,” he criticized. “We must always be grateful to a creator like Mario Vargas Llosa for what he has left as a legacy for culture in our language.”
He closed his message with a reflection taken from his program Huevos duros: “The worst thing about dictatorships is that they end up tarnishing everyone.”
The tribute takes place just five days after Valdés dedicated another message to him for his 89th birthday: “Today he turns 89 years old, this living legend of literature. I have read almost all of his books. If I haven’t read them all,” he wrote then. “Some of them are among the best that has been written in the Spanish language,” he added, mentioning titles such as La ciudad y los perros, La casa verde, Confesiones de una niña mala, and Conversación en la catedral.
"I had the immense fortune to take a creative writing course with him. What he has taught us is invaluable for a lifetime. Don’t forget to read at least one of his books. They are brilliant,” he urged in that congratulatory message, referring to him as: “The master. The genius. The cadet. To Don Mario.”
Mario Vargas Llosa passed away this Sunday, April 13, in Lima, at the age of 89, as confirmed by his children. He was a and one of the most influential voices of liberal thought in Spanish. His work, his ideas, and his role as an intellectual reference of the 20th and 21st centuries continue to be honored around the world.
His remains will be cremated in a private ceremony, in accordance with his wishes.
Beyond Alexis Valdés's personal tribute, the figure of Mario Vargas Llosa deserves to be remembered as one of the great architects of contemporary narrative in Spanish.
Since his first novel, The Time of the Hero (1963), which revolutionized Latin American literature with its choral structure and critique of authoritarianism, to iconic titles like Conversation in the Cathedral or The Feast of the Goat, his work has been essential for understanding the moral, political, and human dilemmas of the continent. Recognized with the Nobel Prize in Literature (2010), the Cervantes Prize, and more recently, as the first Spanish-speaking author to enter the French Academy (2023), his legacy transcends borders.
Vargas Llosa not only wrote novels; he defended individual freedom and denounced totalitarianism with the same fervor with which he created complex and memorable characters. His literature will continue to enlighten future generations, serving as a testament to the transformative power of words.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alexis Valdés' Tribute to Mario Vargas Llosa
How did Alexis Valdés express his admiration for Mario Vargas Llosa?
Alexis Valdés dedicated an emotional message on his social media highlighting Mario Vargas Llosa as the writer who has illuminated and inspired him the most in his life. He recalled their personal connection and the unforgettable lessons he received in a literature course taught by Vargas Llosa.
What did Mario Vargas Llosa think about Cuban socialism?
Mario Vargas Llosa was a staunch critic of Cuban socialism. His break with the Cuban revolution occurred after the Padilla case in 1971, and since then he has maintained a critical stance towards the communist regime in Havana and socialism in general.
What literary legacy did Mario Vargas Llosa leave behind?
Mario Vargas Llosa left a monumental literary legacy with works such as "The Time of the Hero," "The Feast of the Goat," and "Conversation in the Cathedral," which are narrative references and analyses of power and repression. His works continue to be celebrated and studied worldwide.
What was the relationship like between Alexis Valdés and Mario Vargas Llosa?
Alexis Valdés had the privilege of personally meeting Mario Vargas Llosa and taking a class with him, which he described as an unforgettable experience. In addition, they had a brief encounter at the San Sebastián Film Festival where Valdés expressed his admiration for him.
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