Popular Cuban actress Aurora Basnuevo passes away

September 26, 2022

The distinguished and popular actress Aurora Basnuevo, one of the most recognized figures of humor in our country, passed away this Monday at the age of 84, reported the National Council of Performing Arts.

Possessing undeniable charisma, she demonstrated her talent as an entertainer, singer, and although her name is linked to comedy, she also proved her ability to take on dramatic roles, in media such as radio, theater, film, and television.

Born in 1938 in the municipality of Colón in Matanzas, she came to Havana with her family while very young, and graduated in the capital as a school teacher.

Proclaimed Rising Star in the celebrated program of José Antonio Alonso, from 1957 she turned towards the arts, until becoming a professional in the early 1960s.

She was part of the Rita Montaner group, in which she performed in works such as La pérgola de las flores, and Las yaguas, where she made use of her abilities in singing and dancing. After that time, she moves to Teatro Martí, where she works alongside very respected names of vernacular theater.

In 1965 Alegrías de sobremesa began to air, the unforgettable humorous program of Radio Progreso, with script by Alberto Luberta. Aurora Basnuevo's arrival at that space established her with the role of the mulatta Estelvina, a character she would bring to life for decades.

On the small screen, she performed in Aventuras Los mambises and Tierra y sangre, among others; and in humorous programs such as San Nicolás del Peladero, alongside her husband Mario Limonta. Her characterizations allowed her to earn the epithet of "La Mulatísima", and her character is now part of our collective imagination for its charm, its witticisms, and its undeniably Cuban grace.

Unfortunately her filmography is not as extensive. She performed in El encuentro, Vals de la Habana Vieja, Cuarteto de La Habana, Salsa and Havana Blues, among others.

In Adela, a short film directed by Humberto Solás, she confirmed her dramatic talents, offering one of her best performances. She also worked in film under the direction of Brazilian Ruy Guerra and Frenchman Thierry Chabert.

She was presenter of the radio program Fiesta Guajira. She also recorded songs for children that were very popular.

Among the recognitions she received, the 2004 National Humor Award, the 2009 National Radio Award, the Gitana Tropical Distinction, the 2014 ACTUAR Award for lifetime achievement, as well as the Replica of the Machete of Máximo Gómez and the medal for one hundred years of Cuban Radio, in addition to other honors such as the Sunflower of Popularity which she obtained for several consecutive years.

Aurora Basnuevo was an artist who achieved the support of her people thanks to her charm and histrionic abilities, confirmed throughout an extensive career and a constant defense of our tradition.

She was the heir to a character from our comedy, one that she knew how to bring to our everyday lives. She was a keeper of genuine affection and popularity, which she always appreciated and knew how to renew in each of her appearances and in her constant dedication, throughout her 84 years.

The National Council of Performing Arts conveyed to family and friends of Aurora Basnuevo its deepest condolences, in the name of the main institutions of our culture, and with them the assurance that she will continue to be remembered by the people to whom she gave so many moments of humor and fine art.

Sad news for Cuban culture

What people, sir, but what people!, the beloved Aurora Basnuevo used to say. Her death has had a swift impact on social networks, where messages of sorrow for her passing and condolences to her family and friends have multiplied.

"With us the imprint of her art and emblematic characters. Sad loss for Cuban culture", wrote the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.

In its Twitter account, the organization lamented the death of the eternal Estelvina of Alegrías de Sobremesa.

"The joy and sense of humor of the mulatísima won over the Cuban people", also affirmed on that social network the University of the Arts.

On Facebook, musician Alexander Abreu said he will remember her with that immense smile. "Go brighten paradise so that those good vibes reach us here on earth".

"We regret the loss of Aurora Basnuevo, popular Cuban actress who put a smile on our faces with her humorous appearances on more than one occasion", highlighted Egrem, Cuba's oldest record company.