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The Cuban actor Samuel Claxton, an icon of cinema, television, and national theater, passed away in Havana at the age of 82 after battling a prolonged and delicate health condition.
The confirmation of his death was given by casting director Libia Batista Mora, who in recent months led multiple aid campaigns to address the basic needs of the artist, who was in a serious state of vulnerability.
Claxton, remembered by generations of Cubans for his work as Mantilla in the series Su propia guerra and films like La última cena, En 3 y 2, or Caravana, lived away from the media spotlight and relied solely on the care of his wife and the solidarity of the community, due to the lack of institutional support.
Born in Camagüey in 1943, Claxton participated in more than 60 film and theater productions, becoming one of the most recognized figures in the Cuban artistic scene of the 20th century.
Despite his legacy, his last years were marked by hardship: surgery for bladder carcinoma, a percutaneous nephrostomy, and severe physical limitations that forced him to leave his home in Alamar as he was unable to climb stairs.
In April and May of this year, the Cubaactores platform and Libia Batista Mora made urgent calls on social media to obtain disposable diapers, urinary catheters, urine collection bags, and a wheelchair, which was finally donated thanks to community solidarity.
"Thank you for your attention. I already have the wheelchair for actor Samuel Claxton," Batista posted last Thursday, in one of the last messages before his passing.
The death of Claxton brings to the forefront the critical situation of many Cuban artists in their old age, without financial support or guaranteed medical care from the Ministry of Culture or UNEAC.
On social media, the outcry was constant: "The least that can be done is to provide her with her probes and collector without needing to ask," denounced an outraged user.
This is not an isolated case. Just this week, the case of actress and singer Iyaima Martínez Navarro was also reported, who suffers from a serious health condition and requires medications and basic materials such as Tramadol, diapers, and absorbent sheets.
Samuel Claxton is particularly remembered for his character Mantilla in "His Own War", as well as for his notable performances in significant theatrical works such as Santa Camila de La Habana Vieja and María Antonia.
Numerous figures from Cuban cinema, television, and theater have started to share heartfelt messages of grief on social media.
Frequently asked questions about the passing of Samuel Claxton and the situation of artists in Cuba
Who was Samuel Claxton and what was his legacy in the Cuban artistic sphere?
Samuel Claxton was a prominent Cuban actor who participated in more than 60 film and theater productions. Born in Camagüey in 1943, Claxton is remembered for his role in the series "Su propia guerra" and in films such as "La última cena," "En 3 y 2," and "Caravana." His legacy in Cuban art is significant, becoming an icon for several generations of Cubans.
Why did Samuel Claxton need urgent help in his later years?
Samuel Claxton faced a delicate health condition and lacked the basic medical supplies necessary for his care, such as bladder catheters and urine collection bags. Furthermore, he lived in conditions of extreme vulnerability, relying on the care of his wife and citizen solidarity due to the lack of institutional support from the Ministry of Culture and UNEAC.
What does the case of Samuel Claxton reveal about the situation of artists in Cuba?
The case of Samuel Claxton highlights the state's neglect of Cuban artists in their old age, who often find themselves in situations of extreme vulnerability without financial support or adequate medical care. The lack of support policies for retired or ill artists is a recurring issue, reflecting the systematic abandonment by cultural institutions.
How has the Cuban community reacted to the situation of artists like Samuel Claxton?
The Cuban community has demonstrated its solidarity by organizing aid campaigns through social media to gather medical supplies and other necessary resources for artists in precarious situations. Figures like casting director Libia Batista Mora have led these efforts, receiving support from citizens and colleagues who seek to alleviate the shortages left by the State.
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