Renowned Cuban actor Manolo Villaverde passed away last Saturday in Daytona Beach, Florida, at the age of 91. His passing was announced by close friends and social media profiles connected to the iconic series ¿Qué pasa USA?, a production that endeared him to multiple generations of Cuban exiles.
The announcement of his death was shared on a Facebook page dedicated to ¿Qué pasa USA?, recognized as the first bilingual series produced in the United States. In the show, Villaverde played Pepe Peña, the patriarch of a Cuban exile family.
"Rest in peace, Manolo Villaverde, our Pepe Peña. To all of us, he was more than just a character; he was the Cuban father we all looked up to, guiding us with humor, love, and wisdom," the post read, accompanied by images of the actor and the series' cast.
Originally aired between 1977 and 1980 on WPBT, and later rebroadcast in the 1990s, ¿Qué pasa USA? vividly and sensitively depicted the Cuban immigrant experience in America. Villaverde attributed its success to the show's relatable stories, which mirrored the everyday lives of countless exiles.
His role in the series earned him an Emmy Award in 1978, an accolade he shared with co-stars Ana Margarita Martínez-Casado and Luis Oquendo. The cast was selected for their extensive theatrical experience in both Cuba and the United States.
Beyond ¿Qué pasa USA?, Villaverde was involved in other notable television productions. He portrayed airline executive Rafael Santana, the father of the main character in the drama Wiseguy, which ran for four seasons. Additionally, he played the grandfather on the Nickelodeon children’s show Gullah Gullah Island.
Born on August 11, 1934, Villaverde emigrated to the United States as a young man, where he studied accounting in New York and joined the U.S. Navy in 1958, according to Diario de Las Américas.
He later returned to Cuba to pursue a career in theater and television until 1964, when he was forced to leave the island after being arrested for distributing propaganda against the newly established Castro regime. He eventually settled in Mexico and finally in the United States, where he cemented his artistic legacy.
Many cultural figures expressed their sorrow over his passing. With the death of Manolo Villaverde, a key figure of Cuban culture in exile is lost, leaving an indelible mark on television and the collective memory of a community characterized by nostalgia, humor, and resilience.
Remembering Manolo Villaverde's Legacy
What was Manolo Villaverde's most famous role?
Manolo Villaverde is best known for his role as Pepe Peña in the bilingual series ¿Qué pasa USA?, where he played the patriarch of a Cuban exile family.
How did Manolo Villaverde contribute to Cuban culture in exile?
Manolo Villaverde left a lasting impact on Cuban culture in exile through his performances in television and theater, particularly by portraying relatable characters that resonated with the Cuban exile experience.