Luis Alberto Ramírez Remembered Fondly by the Arts Community

The Cuban arts scene was deeply shaken on Tuesday with the announcement of the passing of Luis Alberto Ramírez, a beloved actor and a familiar face on national television. At the age of 65, Ramírez left behind a legacy that has influenced generations, continuing a family tradition of acting.

The impact of his work and his warm personality was summed up by Cuba Actores, which stated: “Today, Cuban acting bids farewell to one of its most cherished faces. The actor Luis Alberto Ramírez has passed away, a figure close to the public and an essential part of our country's television history.”

Comedian Luis Silva, known for his role as Pánfilo in Vivir del cuento, expressed his sorrow: “I am at a loss for words… We featured him in several episodes. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Actor Erdwin Fernández Collado shared a heartfelt farewell, reminiscing about their friendship since childhood. Meanwhile, the team at CubaActores highlighted his dedication and the significant impact he made: “Today, we celebrate his discipline and the affection he fostered among colleagues and audiences. Thank you for everything, Luis Alberto.”

Prominent stage designer Luis Lacosta expressed his grief: “A sad and sensitive loss. We've lost a great companion and friend.”

Director Carlos Collazo extended his condolences to Ramírez's family and friends. In a visibly emotional message, Kapy Kapy wrote: “Life is such a... well, it's unfair. We've lost a man who was full of life, who opened doors for many new talents and never stopped supporting others. Farewell, friend.”

Actor Jorge "Yoyi" Martínez also shared his thoughts on Ramírez: "You never held back praise for your fellow professionals, and I don't understand why death always targets the good ones," he wrote on social media.

From La Casa de Maka, the family of María Karla Rivero, Jean Michel Fernández, and Coralita Veloz remembered him with sadness as well.

A Legacy of Discipline and Family Tradition

Luis Alberto Ramírez followed in the footsteps of his father, who passed away in 1990, growing up in a large family of seven siblings where art was always present. He inherited not only his father’s name but also a strong work ethic. He embraced every role, avoided being typecast, and earned the audience's respect through his own merit.

In a March 2024 interview with CubaActores, he recalled how his father prepared him for the demanding yet rewarding profession. He shared how, while working together on a film, his father made it clear: “In front of the cameras, we were two actors; away from them, we were father and son.” This lesson stayed with him throughout his life.

His career was marked by projects that are part of the emotional memory of millions of Cubans: La cara oculta de la Luna, Añado anorado encuentro, Operación Coraje, Memorias de un abuelo—where he suffered a premature explosion that left shrapnel in his legs for 20 days—and El elegido del tiempo. He also made his mark on children's programs like La sombrilla amarilla and El camino de los juglares.

One of his recent works was the soap opera Viceversa, aired last year on Cubavisión, where he played the character Rolando, sharing scenes with actress Nancy González.

His daughter, who works as an assistant director in the television series Calendario and is a student at FAMCA, continues the family’s audiovisual legacy, a heritage now bearing even greater emotional significance.