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The prominent Cuban writer Amir Valle expressed his sorrow over the death of the significant actress Zelma Morales, which occurred this weekend, with an emotional tribute in which he described her as "an exceptional, cultured, and humble woman of the kind of human beings that we so desperately need in this disaster we insist on calling the world."
Cuban culture loses a remarkable actress. "I lose one of my most loyal readers," Valle wrote on Facebook, where he recalled the personal meeting he had with her in Miami during the presentation of his novel "My name is dust" in June 2025.
According to the writer, who lives in Germany, it was Morales herself who approached him that night, "humble, affectionate, smiling, to tell me that I was one of her favorite Cuban writers. We embraced, and I felt immensely honored."
Valle recalled that after that meeting, he received messages of support from the actress, "always emphatic and understanding, and filled with affection," and that mutual friends confirmed what he had sensed from that first hug.
The reactions of the Cuban artistic community, both inside and outside the island, were immediate and numerous.
Luisa María Jiménez, partner of Morales in the telenovela "Tierra Brava" and her personal friend for over four decades, published a heartbreaking message lamenting not having been able to say goodbye: "I couldn't say goodbye, embrace her just a little, hold her hand, tell her how important she had been in my life… It’s even harder."
Jiménez fondly recalled the affectionate nickname that Morales had for her: "She used to call me La Parda, isn't that lovely? Where did you go, my dear friend, without saying a word? How could you do that?"
From Havana, actor and comedian Ulises Toirac also joined in the mourning: "Zelma, a beautiful woman, powerful actress, extraordinary person. What a shame. My condolences to her closest friends and family. I truly feel it."
In comments on Amir Valle's post, the writer Ángel Santiesteban-Prats remembered her as a "great friend and patriot," while actor Omar Franco expressed in the same space: "Light always for the great Zelma."
Zelma Morales was born in Caibarién, Villa Clara, and trained at the National School of Art in Havana. Her career spanned decades in theater and television, with memorable roles, such as in "Tierra Brava" (1997), where she portrayed the twin sisters Regina and Reina—a dual acting challenge that made her one of the most beloved figures on Cuban television.
After emigrating to Miami, Morales remained active artistically and raised her voice for human rights and freedom in Cuba, earning the respect of the Cuban exile community in Florida.
She was the mother of actor Fabián Brando, who described in a December 2021 interview as his "protector and shield." The cause and exact circumstances of her death have not been publicly disclosed. Deep condolences to her loved ones.
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