Spanish actor and director Eduardo Casanova, familiar to Cuban audiences for his role as Fidel Martínez in the hit series Aída, made a surprising revelation on Thursday by publicly disclosing his HIV status.
Casanova shared this personal news through a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his decision to speak out “with dignity” and aspiring to help dismantle the stigma surrounding individuals living with HIV.
“I HAVE HIV. Today, I break this awful and painful silence after MANY years. A silence that many of us with HIV keep and endure. I do it WHEN I WANT. WHEN I CAN. I do it FOR ME, but I hope this can help others too. I do it my way, through film, which is my way of communicating. But above all, I do it WITH DIGNITY. Dignity should be the way everyone with HIV can come out,” wrote the artist.
At 34, Casanova also used his post to announce an upcoming film project on the subject: a documentary produced by Jordi Évole, set to premiere in theaters next year. “It’s not a TV show; it’s a documentary film,” clarified the actor, who expressed feeling “profoundly happy” despite the fear and uncertainty of sharing such a personal revelation.
According to Casanova, his choice stems from a desire to bring visibility to a reality still burdened by stigma and misinformation. “Nearly 80% of people with HIV have not shared their status with almost anyone due to a stigma that condemns us to the world's most unjust systematic rejection,” he added.
In a recent interview with El País, the actor also discussed his latest creative endeavor, the series Silencio, which premiered on December 1 — World AIDS Day — on Movistar Plus+. In it, Casanova examines the evolution of HIV from the pandemic's onset to the present, blending “humor, vampires, social critique, and advocacy.”
“Silencio is my first series as showrunner, writer, and director. I already directed a series on commission [Nacho, about Nacho Vidal], where I could put my stamp, but this one is entirely mine,” explained the actor in an interview with the Spanish outlet.
“The silence that people with HIV live with today is terrifying,” he emphasized. During the promotion of Silencio, Casanova expressed his goal of changing the traditional narrative surrounding HIV and AIDS: “It’s always the same: memory, gay men, drug-addicted men, catastrophe, and death,” he remarked.
His announcement was met with support from colleagues, friends, and followers. Known for his provocative style and commitment to social causes, Eduardo Casanova sets a new example of bravery and sensitivity. His message, “I do it with dignity,” is also a call for empathy and a fight against the stigma that continues to surround HIV.
Understanding Eduardo Casanova's HIV Announcement
Why did Eduardo Casanova reveal his HIV status?
Eduardo Casanova revealed his HIV status to break the silence and stigma associated with the virus, hoping to inspire others by sharing his story with dignity through his medium of film.
What is Eduardo Casanova's new project about?
His new project is a documentary film produced by Jordi Évole that addresses the topic of living with HIV, aiming to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions about the virus.
How has Eduardo Casanova contributed to changing the narrative around HIV?
By taking on projects like the series Silencio and speaking openly about his own experiences, Casanova is working to shift the traditional narrative of HIV away from stereotypes and toward a more nuanced understanding.