Cuban actor Jorge Martínez recently opened up on social media, sharing a heartfelt message about his battle with cancer. During the most challenging phase of his illness, Martínez explored traditional and spiritual healing methods in search of hope. "I was desperate, as I think anyone who is sick feels," he admitted in an Instagram video, where he spoke for the first time about visiting a man known as Cristóbal, or "Cristo," in Fomento, Sancti Spíritus. Cristóbal is known for offering unconventional relief to those in need.
"I've never claimed that this man cured me," the actor clarified, "but he was part of that time when you try everything to survive." Martínez decided to share his experience after receiving numerous inquiries from people facing serious illnesses, looking for answers wherever they can find them. "I respond because it was part of my experience when I was sick... and in a truly desperate situation," he confessed.
He emphasized that his recovery was due to a "combination of many things," including medical treatments, alternative methods, and a positive mindset. Martínez detailed that Cristóbal sees people in Fomento on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to noon, advising people to arrive early due to the crowd. "When I went, he wasn't as well-known, but there was still a line by six in the morning," he noted.
Despite making it clear that Cristóbal is not a doctor or a miraculous healer, Martínez wanted to share this information with those experiencing pain. "Maybe someone needs that hope... I needed it too." With a voice tempered by experience and the humility of someone who has faced death, Jorge Martínez concluded his message with a simple yet powerful wish: "I wish everyone good health. Don't lose faith. Stay positive about life."
Last March, Martínez revealed on the YouTube program "La Familia Cubana" that he lives with only one lung after battling cancer twice, first in his lung 12 years ago and more recently in his throat. In that interview, he recounted how doctors gave him only six months to live. He continued filming scenes with stitches in his neck, relying on makeup to conceal his condition.
During his recovery, which was marked by the loss of his palate, salivary glands, and a drastic weight drop to 42 kilograms, Martínez lived alone without assistance. "I did everything myself, even though I had no strength to cook," he shared. Thanks to a friend, he spent a year in Italy, where he found refuge and managed to stabilize his health.
A Beloved Cuban Public Figure
Jorge Martínez is not only a familiar face on Cuban television but also a vocal critic who has personally experienced the impact of censorship. In 2006, his popular Sunday show, El Expreso, was abruptly canceled after the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT) deemed it "unacceptable" for him to marry his partner, a dancer from the ensemble, on screen. Years later, Martínez lamented the lack of support from cultural leaders in contrast to the unwavering backing from the public.
He also starred in the film Últimos días en La Habana by Fernando Pérez and appeared on shows like Con dos que se quieran. There, he recounted how he quit smoking after years of consuming two packs a day—a habit that led to advanced cancer with a nearly six-centimeter tumor in his left lung.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jorge Martínez's Cancer Journey
What alternative methods did Jorge Martínez explore during his cancer treatment?
Jorge Martínez sought hope in traditional and spiritual healing methods, including visiting a man known as Cristóbal in Fomento, who is known for offering unconventional relief to those in need.
How did Jorge Martínez manage his recovery process?
Martínez's recovery was marked by a combination of medical treatments, alternative methods, and maintaining a positive mindset. He lived alone during this time, even traveling to Italy for a year to stabilize his health.
What impact did censorship have on Jorge Martínez's career?
In 2006, Martínez's TV show El Expreso was canceled by the ICRT after he married his partner on screen, citing it as "unacceptable." This incident highlighted the challenges he faced due to censorship, despite continued support from the public.