The renowned Cuban actor Alberto Pujol has shared some previously unknown insights into his life in both Cuba and Miami, where he has been residing for over 15 years. In a conversation with YouTuber Adrián Fernández, he revealed that his early days in the United States were quite challenging, to the extent that he almost ended up homeless. "There was a time when I had no money, and I couldn't afford a place to stay," he confessed, explaining that a cousin took him in for more than a year.
Pujol explained that finding work in Miami was difficult partly due to the stigma attached to his role as El Tavo in the police series "Su propia guerra." Although the role brought him fame, it also painted him as a snitch and supporter of the regime. "I could have played El Tavo ten times over; I knew I wasn't like a guy chasing someone down for selling cheese or hamburgers," he emphasized.
Reflecting on his past, he mentioned the challenges of working on a show funded by the Ministry of the Interior, an entity notorious for concealing the truth. He also debunked some myths about the glamorous lives of artists in Cuba, pointing out that they struggle just like everyone else. Despite his fame, he had to push his car to get his daughter to school because he couldn't afford gas. "Because you don't earn enough to buy gasoline," he questioned rhetorically.
In 2000, Pujol returned to Havana from Colombia, where he had spent several years. When he sought employment at the ICRT, he was rejected for having "left" the country. In response, he told the official, "I didn't leave; you stayed. If you had the chance to leave, you would have done the same." Eventually, he secured work and continued to achieve successes until he decided to leave permanently. Currently, he is barred from returning to his homeland due to his outspoken criticism of the dictatorship.
In Miami, Pujol took on various jobs unrelated to acting. He worked as a chef, a role he enjoyed due to his love for cooking, and as a security guard at a clinic. People often thought he was filming something when they saw him in uniform. Despite his success in the U.S., he asserts that Cuba remains a part of him, a sentiment shared by his fellow emigrant colleagues.
Nonetheless, he deeply laments the anthropological damage inflicted on Cuban society after six decades of dictatorship, a transformation that will take years to reverse. "It's a damage that has altered our values, education, and way of expressing ourselves," he detailed.
With a heavy heart, Pujol questions how long the ruling group in Cuba can continue degrading the dignity of its people, attempting to crush and humiliate them. He believes the solution must come from within the Cuban populace. "Every time I see a part of Havana collapse while a new hotel rises beside it, I realize things are only getting worse," he expressed sorrowfully.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Artists
Why did Albertico Pujol struggle to find work in Miami?
Albertico Pujol faced difficulties finding work in Miami due to the prejudice associated with his role as El Tavo, which painted him as a supporter of the Cuban regime.
How did Pujol manage during his early days in the United States?
During his early days in the U.S., Pujol nearly experienced homelessness but was taken in by a cousin who provided him shelter for over a year.
What impact does Pujol believe the Cuban dictatorship has had on society?
Pujol believes the Cuban dictatorship has caused significant anthropological damage, altering values, education, and methods of expression, changes that will take years to reverse.