Veronica Lynn, celebrated as one of Cuba's most cherished and long-lived actresses, recently unveiled her secret to maintaining vitality, mental clarity, and enthusiasm for work at the age of 95: letting go of grudges and embracing joy.
This iconic figure of Cuban television and theater shared her insights in an extended conversation with Tahimí Alvariño on the program "Esta es mi gente," aired on Cubamás TV and available on YouTube since Wednesday.
Although the host introduced her as 94, Lynn actually celebrated her 95th birthday in May.
At the 42:49 mark of the video, Lynn revealed the philosophy that sustains her energy and mental acuity after more than seven decades of continuous work.
"I never hold onto grudges, no matter what someone has done to me. Over time, I forget because that brings wrinkles to the soul, and your soul must never wrinkle. It always has to stay fresh," Lynn expressed with the ease of someone who has made this principle a lifelong habit.
The Power of Joy
The second pillar of her life philosophy is joy. Alvariño recalled Lynn whispering this advice at a gathering of friends: "Never lose your joy. Do everything with joy. Whatever you do, do it with joy."
The host described Lynn as someone who can't stop moving: if she does, "that's when everything ends." Her actions back up this claim: at 93, she starred in the play "Frijoles Colorados" alongside actor Del Cabo, kneeling, standing, and moving around the stage for more than an hour without pause.
An Actress's Perspective
Lynn also credits her sharpness to her acting career: "I'm very observant, you see, because I'm an actress, and actors are observers." This keen observation keeps her connected to her creative side.
Born on May 7, 1931, in San Diego de los Baños, Pinar del Río, Lynn moved to Havana at the age of five. Before gracing a stage, she worked as a manicurist, hairdresser, and beauty product salesperson.
Her television debut came on Channel 4 with Gaspar Pumarejo's "Buscando voces nuevas" when she was around twenty.
From Manicurist to National Icon
The general public came to know her as Doña Teresa in the 1985 telenovela "Sol de Batey," regarded as one of the most beloved Cuban TV productions. According to Lynn, this role propelled her to mass popularity.
In the interview, she also discussed the book "Verónica Lynn, una vida en el arte," penned by theater scholar Yana Elsa Brugal and published in 2024. The book details her acting technique based on the Stanislavski method. "The book isn't biographical; it's all about technique, theater technique, all about acting," she explained. The volume sold out on the same day it was launched at the Book Fair.
In May 2026, Lynn made a return to Cuban television to mark her 95th birthday and remains active on Havana's stages. Her parting message in the interview was as straightforward as her secret: "Your soul must always stay fresh."
Veronica Lynn's Life and Career Insights
What is Veronica Lynn's secret to staying energetic at 95?
Veronica Lynn attributes her energy to not holding grudges and doing everything with joy, which she believes keeps her soul fresh.
How did Veronica Lynn gain popularity in Cuba?
Veronica Lynn became widely recognized for her role as Doña Teresa in the 1985 telenovela "Sol de Batey," which is considered one of the most popular Cuban TV shows.
What is the focus of the book "Verónica Lynn, una vida en el arte"?
The book, written by Yana Elsa Brugal, concentrates on Veronica Lynn's acting technique based on the Stanislavski method, rather than being a biographical account.