Cristina Rebull, a celebrated Cuban actress, singer, writer, playwright, and director, passed away on Tuesday at her home in Miami. This news was shared by her family and close friends in a heartfelt public farewell message.
The announcement highlighted that Rebull succumbed to a "long and arduous illness," which she faced with tremendous courage.
The organization Cubaactores expressed deep sorrow over Rebull's passing, describing her as a "comprehensive creator" whose work left an "indelible mark on the culture of the Island and its diaspora."
Born in Matanzas, Cuba, in 1960, Rebull was involved in various artistic endeavors from a young age. She rose to fame in Cuban television in the late 1980s, notably portraying "El Caballero Blanco" in the show "Aventuras." She also captivated audiences with full houses as she starred in "Violente," touted as the first rock opera premiered in Cuba.
After relocating to Miami, Rebull embarked on a creative journey, fulfilling one of her artistic dreams by playing Lorca in "Doña Rosita, la soltera."
In her musical career, she achieved the distinction of being the first Cuban artist to be awarded at the OTI Festival in 1995. She recorded songs by Charly García under the guidance of maestro Oscar Cardozo Ocampo.
Rebull performed recitals and concerts in Miami alongside the Florida Chambers Orchestra, directed by Marlene Urbay, and the ensemble Con ciertas mujeres, which she co-founded with Ileana Cortizo and Ana Ruth Bermúdez.
As a playwright, she was credited as the author and director of works such as "El último bolero" and "Cyrano mío" (in collaboration with Iliana Prieto Jiménez), in addition to "Llévame a las Islas Griegas" and "Esperando a Mamá."
She created the show "Aves al viento," focusing on exile and migration, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and produced by Art For Us, a cultural organization she founded in 2018.
Her contributions to Miami's local television as a writer, scriptwriter, and producer were acknowledged with an Emmy Award.
In the literary field, her 2015 young adult novel "¡Por culpa de una S!" won the Latin American Norma Award, followed by the publication of "El príncipe de las pulgas" (Cuatrogatos Foundation Award 2018).
Her work "Mamá y la vecina de arriba" and the recent "Natalia, más allá de las nubes" were published by the Colombian publishing house Panamericana.
The farewell message also emphasized her role as an acting mentor, recalling her work with the Teatro Prometeo at Miami Dade College and the Adriana Barraza Acting Studio.
Cubaactores concluded their statement with condolences to Rebull's family, friends, and colleagues, affirming that her artistic legacy will continue to thrive in stages, pages, and songs.
Remembering Cristina Rebull: Her Legacy and Impact
What were Cristina Rebull's notable achievements in music?
Cristina Rebull was the first Cuban artist to receive an award at the OTI Festival in 1995. She also recorded songs by Charly García and performed with the Florida Chambers Orchestra and the ensemble Con ciertas mujeres.
How did Cristina Rebull contribute to Cuban television?
Cristina Rebull gained popularity on Cuban television in the 1980s, notably for her role as "El Caballero Blanco" in the show "Aventuras."
What can be said about Cristina Rebull's role as a playwright?
Cristina Rebull was known for her work as a playwright, credited with creating and directing plays such as "El último bolero," "Cyrano mío," "Llévame a las Islas Griegas," and "Esperando a Mamá."