Ulises Toirac and Jorge Martínez recently shared the personal stories behind their tattoos, only to discover an unexpected similarity: both chose the same side of their chest for their ink, despite each having a unique narrative.
This revelation unfolded during an episode of the podcast "Todos Hablan" on Cubamastv, aired last week. During the show, Martínez interviewed Toirac in an engaging conversation that lasted over an hour.
A Longstanding Friendship
The bond between these two actors stretches back many years. Martínez even appeared on "¿Jura decir la verdad?", a show created by Toirac as a tribute to "La Tremenda Corte".
In April 2026, following a reunion, Toirac publicly honored Martínez with a heartfelt message, calling him "the bravest person I know".
Jorge Martínez's Tattoo: A Blooming Lung
Martínez was the first to unbutton his shirt, revealing a tattoo that combines intricate black ink with vibrant flowers. The artwork depicts the respiratory system, complete with the trachea and bronchi. However, the symmetry intentionally breaks at the lungs: one side shows the organ, while the other showcases blooming flowers.
"My daughter suggested this tattoo after my surgery. She found the design and asked her friend, who is the tattoo artist, to create it for me. It represents a lung, and on the side where I no longer have one, there are flowers," the actor explained.
This tattoo symbolizes Martínez's triumph over adversity. He lives with a single lung after battling cancer twice: first in his left lung about 12 years ago, and then in his throat in 2023, when doctors only gave him six months to live. He overcame both challenges.
Ulises Toirac's Tattoo: The Flag and Thorns
When Martínez noticed his friend's tattoo, he was taken aback: "In the same spot. The Cuban flag. Right where mine is. How beautiful," he remarked.
Toirac's chest bears the Cuban national flag, waving proudly, yet entwined with thorns. "This has been here for about 20 years. People say, 'You've gone crazy lately.' No, no, no. My madness started long ago," the comedian joked. His friend responded, "Wearing the Cuban flag on your chest is something very beautiful and significant."
Toirac has faced criticism for his outspoken views on Cuba's reality. His tattoo serves as proof that his connection to Cuba—and his way of expressing it—predates any recent controversy.
Additionally, in July 2018, Toirac got another tattoo in Miami: a map of Cuba with the phrase "no more hatred" inscribed on his upper back.
Understanding the Stories Behind the Tattoos
What inspired Jorge Martínez's tattoo?
The tattoo was inspired by his daughter's suggestion following his surgery. It represents a lung and flowers, symbolizing his survival after battling cancer twice.
How long has Ulises Toirac had his Cuban flag tattoo?
Ulises Toirac has had his Cuban flag tattoo, intertwined with thorns, for about 20 years.
What other tattoos does Ulises Toirac have?
In addition to the Cuban flag, Toirac has a tattoo of a map of Cuba with the phrase "no more hatred" on his upper back, which he got in Miami in July 2018.