Cuban Actress Carmita Ruiz Sparks Online Debate After Ruling Out U.S. Relocation Due to Age: "Anyone Who Wants to Succeed Can"

The Cuban actress Carmita Ruiz, widely recognized for her role as Teresita Prieto on the TV show "Sabadazo," has ignited discussions on social media following her recent comments about not moving to the United States to pursue an artistic career because she feels it's a path for younger individuals.

In an interview with "La Familia Cubana," Carmita shared that she had traveled to the U.S. several times until her visa expired. At the time, she chose to return to Cuba because her parents were still alive and she had her daughter to consider.

Reflecting on whether she should have stayed, she stated, "The mindset back then was different from what it is now. I thought, 'I have the visa, I can come and go as I please.' Honestly, I didn't dwell on it."

While she doesn't regret her past decision, she acknowledges a desire for that freedom now. "I wish I had it because if I want to travel, like any human from any place on this planet, I should be able to come and go. Why this repression? Let me in and out."

Traveling vs. Permanent Relocation

Yet, the comedian draws a firm line: she would visit the U.S. but not settle there permanently.

"Going to the U.S. to work? No. That's for the young. Someone in their 50s or 60s, like me, might work in other fields, but living off art? I don't think so," she asserts.

Strong Reactions from the Cuban Community

Her remarks quickly sparked a wave of responses. Many online users, particularly Cuban emigrants, countered her viewpoint with personal stories and a clear stance: in the U.S., work is available at any age and across various sectors.

"Here, you can work in many fields besides art and live comfortably. People shouldn't cling to a single profession; there are many options that pay: babysitting, elderly care, house cleaning, driving for Uber, Lyft, working in stores. It's about your attitude towards life," one user commented.

Others shared personal experiences that directly challenged the actress's perspective. "Ma'am, I arrived at 50 and now at 63, I'm still working and grateful for leaving," an individual revealed. Another added, "I came at 55, studied, and I'm happily here at 63."

Some emphasized that even at older ages, success is achievable. "I have friends who arrived at 62 and have bought properties through their work and determination. They always wanted to come here, and they achieved it at that age," another commenter noted.

Comparing Life in Cuba and the U.S.

Several users highlighted the contrast with life in Cuba. "In Cuba, no professional lives up to what they studied for; they live more miserably than those cleaning in the U.S.," one wrote. Another was more blunt: "But in Cuba, what are you? Nothing!"

A user who identified as a former teacher with a doctor daughter confessed that she emigrated ten years ago and regrets not doing it sooner: "I worked, studied, and wish I'd done it earlier."

One comment encapsulated the sentiment of many: "It's the mindset they've been taught. Here at my job, there are people nearly 80 years old working and paying their way, from Guatemala and Nicaragua. In this country, anyone willing to work hard will succeed."

"Many people have arrived in the U.S. at 50 or 60 and are now blessed with a good retirement and quality life," a forum participant noted.

"Any country is a school for Cubans because you live with freedom; you just need the desire to study and work," another emphasized.

This debate underscores a recurring tension among Cubans who migrate at older ages and those who remain on the Island, convinced that the U.S. job market doesn't accommodate them—a perception frequently challenged by the stories of the emigrant community.