The death of actress Paula Alí, which occurred this Monday at the age of 90 in Havana, triggered an immediate wave of tributes on social media: actors, comedians, and cultural institutions both in and outside of Cuba bid farewell to one of the nation's beloved figures, remembering her not only for her talent but also for her human qualities.
One of the first to express his sorrow was the actor Luis Silva, known for portraying Pánfilo in "Vivir del Cuento," who reminisced about the years spent alongside the actress.
"I am very sorry to hear the news of the passing of the great Paula Alí. Working until the very last moment. Always natural and friendly. It was a pleasure to have shared scenes with her in many episodes of Vivir del Cuento," he wrote on Facebook.
From abroad, actress Laura de la Uz expressed regret for not being able to say goodbye in person to someone she regarded as a leading figure in Cuban acting.
"Paula, dear Pauli, I can't believe it. Being far away and unable to say goodbye feels terrible, really terrible," she expressed on Instagram.
In her message, she also highlighted the artistic and human legacy of the performer. "Thank you, Paula, thank you for all that legacy you left for future generations of Cuban actors. What a wealth of master classes in truth and humility."
The actress and comedian Heydy González reminisced about the years she shared the stage with Paula Alí on the show "Punto G," where the veteran actress portrayed Dr. Rosa Matriz.
"There, alongside Jorge and Paula, we built a family that taught me the true meaning of camaraderie, respect for this profession, and love for art," he wrote on Instagram.
For González, Paula Alí was much more than a coworker: "She had a very special light. She was one of those people who taught without realizing it, who inspired with her talent, her commitment, and her way of being in life."
The comedian Andy Vázquez also recalled his experience with her in "Vivir del Cuento," where Paula Alí played the role of his character's mother, Facundo Correcto.
"Thank you, Paula, for sharing your talent with us. I had the honor of having you as the unforgettable mother of Facundo Correcto. Your memory will always live on in our hearts," he expressed.
The actress Carmen Deisy Rodríguez shared a photograph alongside Paula Alí accompanied by a brief farewell: "Fly high, my beloved Paula. I will love you forever."
On its part, the platform CubaActores recalled that just a few days before her passing, they had spoken with the actress for the program "Escena de Mujer".
"Beyond being a great actress, we got to know a warm, generous woman who is passionate about her profession," they noted.
The publication described Paula Alí as "an exceptional artist, possessing immense talent and a sensitivity that left a mark in theater, television, and the hearts of those who had the privilege of enjoying her work."
More than six decades on stage
Born in Candelaria, now in the province of Artemisa, Paula Alí developed an artistic career spanning over six decades in Cuban theater, film, and television. She participated in more than thirty film productions by ICAIC, appeared in numerous soap operas, and gained immense popularity among the audience for her performances in comedy and drama shows.
In 2003, she received the Best Actress award at the International Film Festival of Cartagena de Indias for her performance in Nada, directed by Juan Carlos Cremata.
His last major recognition came just three weeks before his passing, when he was honored with the National Television Award 2026, awarded unanimously in recognition of a career that influenced several generations of viewers.
Among the numerous farewell messages, one from Iris Pérez, a close relative of the actress, stood out, who summed up the prevailing sentiment since the news broke.
"We know that this town has loved her very much and that it hurts like a close family member."
Her words reflect the impact of the departure of an artist whose work transcended the stages to become part of the emotional memory of millions of Cubans.
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