Carlos Quintas, Renowned Cuban Actor of Stage, Radio, and Television, Passes Away

The Cuban entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Carlos Hernández Quintas, widely known by his stage name Carlos Quintas, who died in Havana on the evening of Sunday, August 24, at the age of 83. The news was shared by Cuban Television through an announcement on their official Facebook page.

Born on November 4, 1941, in Santiago de Cuba, Quintas embarked on his illustrious career in 1959 at Radio Hernández. Here, he shone as a host and a reciter on the program "Poems and Songs." Early in his career, he starred in popular radio dramas such as "Lino Álvarez, Campesino Leader," "I, Student," and "For Our Love," penned by the writer José Soler Puig, according to a note on Cuban Television's official site.

Beginnings in Theater and Radio

In 1961, Quintas pursued studies at the Academy of Dramatic Arts of Oriente, quickly becoming one of the founding members of the Oriente Dramatic Ensemble. He contributed to productions like "Contigo Pan y Cebolla," "The Invaders," and "Santiago 57," which was featured at the First Latin American Theater Festival in Havana. A year later, he was involved in the staging of "The Invasion" during the festival's second edition.

Expanding Horizons in Havana

Relocating to Havana in 1967 marked a pivotal shift in Quintas' career. He joined Radio Progreso, CMQ, and Radio Rebelde, where he took on leading roles in shows like "World News," "The Two O'Clock Novel," and "Studio Four." Simultaneously, he became part of the National Television lineup, appearing in series such as "Los Mambises," "Juan Quinquín in Pueblo Mocho," "The Falcon," and "The Silent Commandos," all part of Cuban television's "Adventures" series, as detailed in his biography on EcuRed.

Television and Film Contributions

Throughout his career, Quintas graced telenovelas like "The Promise Keeper," "Havana Café," and "The Last Woman and the Next Fight." He also showcased his comedic talents in shows such as "Living from the Story," "Tell That to Someone Else," and "The Jam Session." In cinema, Quintas worked on several short films from the International Film School of San Antonio de los Baños and starred in "In the End..." directed by Juan Carlos Cremata.

Award-Winning Career

Over more than four decades, Quintas served as an artistic director for numerous shows, touring nationally with organizations such as ARTEX, Provincial Culture, Commerce and Gastronomy, and tourism entities. His remarkable career earned him numerous accolades, including the ACTUAR Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, the Small Screen Award from Cuban Television, the Raúl Gómez García Medal, and the Laureate Seal from the National Culture Union. Additionally, he was honored as a Meritorious Artist and recognized as a founding member of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television.

The Cuban Television Communication Directorate's statement highlighted that "Carlos Quintas will be remembered for his acting versatility and his ability to portray characters across various genres." The institution extended its condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends, honoring his contributions to the performing arts, radio, and television in Cuba.