The Cuban actor Jorge Losada, who is 91 years old, has received a new toilet chair thanks to the generous gesture of a follower of the influencer Lino Tomasén, known as The Iron Man, and the supportive intervention of other artists and Cuban citizens both on and off the island.
The news was shared with joy and excitement by Tomasén himself on his social media, where he explained that the chair arrived in record time, just one day after he made his appeal. “On the first day I made the video, the very next day everything came through from the heart. This brand new little chair is yours, dad”, he said as he handed it over personally.
The donation was made possible thanks to José from Destiny Travel, who arranged for and sent the chair from abroad, as confirmed by Tomasén and the comedian Limay Blanco, who also shared the news in a video with his usual touch of humor.
“Can someone send this video to Iron Man? I have given myself up, my hands! And here is the little chair for the actor to do their business,” he said, thanking José and celebrating that the chair was already ready for Losada.
This delivery takes place just a few days after The Iron Man made a first visit to the actor to provide him with food and money, where he was deeply moved by his situation.
“Unfortunately, he is currently in deplorable conditions, suffering from a serious illness. He cannot walk. He cannot take care of his needs because he requires a special chair to do so,” he stated.
During that visit, Tomasén handed over an envelope with money, "the tithe of his church," and asked the community to join in the support with any amount they could.
“My people, I ask for a little chair for this great actor right now. Remember that at some point you asked God to be where you are. It’s time to show it by giving just one dollar,” he said, appealing to a sense of gratitude and community.
Help arrived swiftly. Following public pressure, and thanks to the efforts of art director Luis Lacosta and producer Michel Vega, who raised awareness about the inability of caregivers to assist Losada without the proper equipment, solidarity was reignited.
Jorge Losada has been a beloved figure in Cuban theater and television for decades. However, in his old age, he has had to rely on donations to obtain medications, wheelchairs, and now a shower chair, due to the complete lack of support from the country's cultural institutions.
In April 2024, the actor was hospitalized due to complications with a hip prosthesis and, more recently, was readmitted to Fajardo Hospital. Each new health episode has necessitated public appeals to obtain basic resources, from blood to medical supplies.
The story of Jorge Losada is not an isolated case. It reflects the drama of many Cuban artists who, after dedicating their lives to art, face old age and illness in precarious conditions, forgotten by the system.
That the solution comes from the community, rather than from the institutions, is another painful evidence of the lack of protection faced by the figures of Cuban culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Actor Jorge Losada and Solidarity in Cuba
How did Jorge Losada receive the bathroom chair he needed?
Jorge Losada received the shower chair thanks to the generosity of a supporter of influencer Lino Tomasén. This supporter, along with other artists and Cuban citizens, collaborated to quickly send the necessary equipment to the actor, who was in a deplorable state of health.
What is the current situation of Jorge Losada?
Jorge Losada, at 91 years old, is facing a delicate health situation, which has forced him to rely on the community's solidarity for basic needs. Despite his contribution to Cuban culture, he faces hardships due to a lack of institutional support.
What actions has Lino Tomasén taken to help Jorge Losada?
Lino Tomasén has personally visited Jorge Losada to deliver food and money. Furthermore, he has called on the community to contribute any possible amount, successfully mobilizing various people to support the actor in his difficult situation.
Why is citizen solidarity necessary to assist artists in Cuba?
Citizen solidarity is crucial due to the lack of support from the Cuban government's cultural institutions. Many artists like Jorge Losada, who have made significant contributions to art and culture, face old age in precarious conditions, without state backing, which forces them to rely on community assistance.
Filed under:
