Actor Mario Limonta Passed Away, One Day Before Turning 89

January 19, 2025

On the afternoon of January 18, the renowned theater, film, radio, and television actor Mario Limonta passed away in Havana, one day before turning 89.

Limonta stood out for the many roles he embodied in different media. He was a partner in life and in art with the also unforgettable Aurora Basnuevo.

He was born in Guantánamo on January 19, 1936. His beginnings in the arts started in his native province, as a reciter on the city's radio station. In 1955 he finished his high school studies and moved to Havana to study Law, a career he would abandon early to continue working in radio.

He made his debut on the amateur program La corte suprema del arte, where he achieved the status of rising star. In 1959 he began working for the Cuban National Network, now Radio Rebelde, in dramatic programs.

Until 1965 he belonged to the Guernica theater group of the National Theater, where he played leading roles in Blood Wedding, by García Lorca; The Impure, by Miguel de Carrión, and The Fat Cows, by Abelardo Estorino.

On television he had a long and successful career with appearances in theatrical plays, telenovelas, comedies, adventures, and serials. His character of Sergeant Arencibia in the legendary program San Nicolás del Peladero is well remembered by television audiences, alongside fellow actress Aurora Basnuevo and the late María de los Ángeles Santana and Enrique Santiesteban, among others.

In 1964, he made his first leading role in film, with the film The Decision, directed by José Massip. Later, starting in 1967, other productions would follow such as Assault on the Central Train, In a Certain Way, The Brigadist, Honey for Oshún, and Barrio Cuba by director Humberto Solás, which earned him awards in Cuba and abroad.

Limonta holds the Distinction for National Culture, awarded by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba. In 2001 he received the Paoa Prize for Best Supporting Actor. He was also conferred the National Television Prize in 2009, and the Gitana Tropical Distinction (2012), awarded by the Provincial Culture Directorate of Havana.

He received the Acting Prize for Life's Work (2014), the National Humor Prize (2016), and recently the 65th Anniversary Seal of Icaic (2024) for his lifetime work.

Funeral honors will be announced in due course, by family decision. Cuban art sees another great depart. Sincere condolences to family and close ones.