This past Saturday, the Cuban entertainment community expressed shock and sorrow over the passing of actor Raúl Enríquez.
Edwin Fernández, a fellow actor, described Enríquez as an "exceptional actor and director" known for his straightforward nature and love for jokes and good times.
Despite becoming a critic of the Cuban regime after emigrating, Fernández Collado noted that Enríquez maintained unwavering friendships, enduring insults for thinking and expressing himself differently. "A joker, a bit of a grumbler, a lover of jokes and good times, an excellent ACTOR AND DIRECTOR, and outspoken: 'Call a spade a spade' was his motto," Fernández added.
Hamlet Paredes Grau, who collaborated with Enríquez on the upcoming Cuban TV series Ojo de Agua, also shared a heartfelt farewell. "You're back there, and I'm thinking of you, my brother... today I woke up to very sad news. You left us, Raúl Enríquez, just days before the premiere of Ojo de Agua, a project you were deeply committed to. The audience will love your beautiful character, I'm sure... may your path be filled with light. A big hug to the Ojo de Agua team and your wonderful family," Paredes Grau expressed.
Journalist Valia Valdés Rivero wrote, "We lost Raúl Enríquez, a remarkable talent in comedy, television, and directing. It's regrettable that your social concerns and warnings were ignored. My condolences to his family."
On Saturday, Cubavisión announced Enríquez's death in a message of condolences, describing him as an "indispensable" figure in Cuban television for over four decades, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
According to their statement, Enríquez was "a true pillar" of television since 1980. Cubavisión highlighted that his career spanned over 30 years, serving not only as an actor but also as a playwright and director, contributing a comprehensive and meticulous perspective to the arts.
He was remembered for his roles in numerous telenovelas and the police drama Tras la Huella, where his performances were "solid and memorable." His last work was in Ojo de Agua, where he played a significant dramatic role, and he also appeared in the telenovela Cuando el amor no alcanza.
Enríquez led the Aries Theater Company, which boasts 23 years of artistic work in Havana's 10 de Octubre municipality, and his community involvement is reflected in over 70 staged productions.
As a playwright and director, his works include Fandango, El amo de los perros, Las tres Marías, Gangrena negra, La Familia Peste, and Dolor Ajeno, among others.
In recognition of his artistic contributions, Enríquez was awarded the ACTUAR Prize for Lifetime Achievement in 2019.
Raúl Enríquez’s Legacy and Contributions
What notable works did Raúl Enríquez contribute to Cuban television?
Raúl Enríquez was known for his roles in various telenovelas and the police drama Tras la Huella. His most recent work was in the soon-to-be-released telenovela Ojo de Agua, where he played a significant dramatic role. He also starred in Cuando el amor no alcanza.
How did Raúl Enríquez impact the Cuban theater scene?
Raúl Enríquez was the director of the Aries Theater Company in Havana, where he was involved in over 70 productions. His work as a playwright and director included notable plays such as Fandango, El amo de los perros, Las tres Marías, Gangrena negra, La Familia Peste, and Dolor Ajeno.