Esteemed Cuban actress Paula Alí has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) on their Facebook page. They fondly remembered her as "one of the most beloved and popular artists among the Cuban people."
Born on January 26, 1936, in Candelaria, now part of Artemisa province, Paula Andrea Alí Rivera enjoyed a prolific career spanning over six decades in television, film, and theater, making her a household name across generations in Cuba.
Her journey in the entertainment industry began in 1959 as a model and television extra. Over time, she graced nearly every stage imaginable. In 1970, Alí joined the renowned Teatro Estudio group, maintaining her association with them until her passing. She also collaborated with the company El Público, starring in La Celestina under the direction of Carlos Díaz.
Her contributions to Cuban cinema are noteworthy, with a filmography in the ICAIC exceeding 30 films, including titles like Lista de espera (2000), El cuerno de la abundancia (2008), and Cartas del Parque. Her performance in Por Nada, directed by Juan Carlos Cremata, earned her the Best Actress Award at the Cartagena de Indias Festival in Colombia in 2003.
On television, she was a staple in series such as Enamorada del mar (1989), Las huérfanas de la Obrapía (1999), and Los hijos de Pandora (2022). She was especially adored for her role as Dr. Rosa Matriz in the comedy show Punto G.
UNEAC highlighted that despite her wide dramatic range, Paula Alí left "a particularly endearing mark in comedy," bringing professionalism, naturalness, and charisma that set her apart in the national artistic landscape.
Just three weeks before her passing, she was unanimously awarded the 2026 National Television Award, the highest honor in Cuban television. This accolade added to her numerous recognitions, including the UNEAC Award for Female Performance, the Segismundo Awards, and the Special Award for Master of Generations.
In August 2024, she was urgently admitted to the Institute of Cardiology in Havana, from which she made a favorable recovery. She celebrated her 90th birthday in January with a tribute on the national channel's program Al Mediodía.
"With Paula Alí's departure, we lose an indispensable figure of the Cuban stage, whose work will remain in the heartfelt memory of our people and the history of the country's performing and audiovisual arts," concluded UNEAC in their statement.
Remembering Paula Alí: Her Legacy and Achievements
What were some of Paula Alí's most notable works?
Paula Alí was renowned for her performances in films like Lista de espera, El cuerno de la abundancia, and Por Nada. She also appeared in television series such as Enamorada del mar and Los hijos de Pandora.
How did Paula Alí contribute to Cuban theater?
Paula Alí was a vital member of Teatro Estudio and also worked with El Público, where she starred in productions like La Celestina. Her extensive work in theater enriched the Cuban cultural scene.
What awards did Paula Alí receive during her lifetime?
Throughout her illustrious career, Paula Alí received numerous accolades, including the Best Actress Award at the Cartagena de Indias Festival and the National Television Award in 2026.