Cuban Actor Samuel Claxton Faces Urgent Need for Disposable Diapers

Renowned Cuban actor Samuel Claxton, celebrated for his extensive career in national cinema, television, and theater, is once again at the heart of an urgent plea for assistance. At 82 years old, with his health in a precarious state, Claxton now requires disposable diapers, as reported by the platform Cubaactores on social media.

"We need your help, dear family! We urgently require disposable diapers for our beloved actor Samuel Claxton," was posted on Facebook. "Please contact casting director Libia Batista Mora or message us..." the post continued.

This latest request adds to the previous support efforts Claxton has received. Recently, thanks to the dedication of Libia Batista Mora—a casting director and a key advocate for these campaigns—a wheelchair was secured to address his mobility challenges. "Thank you for your attention. I now have a wheelchair for actor Samuel Claxton," Batista announced on Facebook last Thursday.

A Forgotten Icon in Dire Need

Claxton has been grappling with severe health issues for some time, and his fundamental medical needs are not being met by the institutions responsible for his welfare. Besides diapers, there have been appeals for essential supplies such as urinary catheters and collection bags.

In April, Cubaactores shared photos from Libia Batista's profile showing a visibly frail Samuel. The actor underwent bladder cancer surgery two years ago and had a percutaneous nephrostomy performed a year ago.

On social media, his followers have voiced their concerns: "The least he deserves is to have his urinary catheters and collection bags without needing to ask," wrote one outraged netizen, highlighting the institutional neglect towards figures who have enhanced the nation's cultural prestige.

Born in Camagüey in 1943, Samuel Claxton is a cornerstone of Cuban art, having starred in over 60 films. He is fondly remembered for his portrayal of Mantilla in the popular TV series "Su propia guerra," as well as his roles in movies like "En 3 y 2," "Caravana," "La última cena," and theatrical productions such as "María Antonia" and "Santa Camila de La Habana Vieja."

Despite his immense legacy, Claxton now endures a harrowing reality: he lives in extreme vulnerability, relying solely on his wife's care and the sporadic aid from colleagues and citizens. He resides in the Alamar district, although he has recently had to relocate as he can no longer manage stairs, according to Batista's account.

Not an Isolated Case

Claxton's predicament underscores a broader issue: the lack of state support for aging artists. This week also saw the emergence of actress and singer Iyaima Martínez Navarro's plight, as she battles serious health conditions requiring medications like Tramadol, diapers, absorbent sheets, and anti-sore creams.

Colleagues such as Hamlet Paredes Grau and Katherine T. Gavilán have publicly appealed for help on Iyaima's behalf, urging those who can to offer even a modicum of relief.

These increasingly frequent accounts reflect a systematic neglect by the Ministry of Culture and the UNEAC, organizations criticized by actors and citizens alike for only appearing to pay posthumous tributes, failing to act when their members are still alive and in urgent need.

To offer support to Samuel Claxton, interested parties can directly contact Libia Batista Mora or the Cubaactores team, who continue to facilitate aid in a transparent and direct manner.