Cuban actor Roberto Perdomo was taken by surprise last Friday during an interview on Cubamastv's podcast Todos hablan, when a heartwarming gesture unfolded. He was handed an envelope containing a collective donation of $1,531, contributed by 63 individuals.
This act of kindness was initiated by Amarilis Núñez, actress and director of the channel, following a flood of comments sparked by a previous interview where Perdomo openly discussed his dire living conditions, reliant solely on his pension.
The funds were presented on camera, with the actor clearly moved by the gesture. The envelope also included a list of the donors' names. The interview, shared on YouTube, has garnered over 77,000 views.
Struggles of a Retired Actor
Perdomo's plight has touched thousands of Cubans both on and off the island. In mid-August, he divulged that his pension is a mere 6,000 pesos per month, which he described as “insulting.” He lamented that with such limited income, he couldn't save enough for a plane ticket to meet his grandson Leo, born in Spain in April 2025. “I can leave whenever I want, I just don’t have the money,” he stated.
Although Perdomo holds Spanish citizenship, the economic crisis keeps him grounded in Cuba, and he was unable to bid farewell to his sister, who passed away from cancer in Spain on Mother’s Day in 2025.
Impact of Generosity
Back in July, the actor explained that he had to quit theater because his entire salary was consumed by transportation costs, about 4,000 pesos per month, which didn’t cover the commuting expenses.
Upon receiving the donation, Perdomo was visibly overwhelmed. “A lifetime isn’t enough to express gratitude for the things I’ve read, the way people have reached out to me, the wonderful messages I’ve received,” he expressed.
Regarding the donation, he added, “It gives me courage, hope, confidence, it uplifts me. I was beginning to lose faith in humanity.”
Known for his 13-year portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Fernando in the police series Tras la Huella, Perdomo was particularly touched by the generosity of strangers: “It’s astonishing to see people who don’t live in Cuba, who I’ve never met, extend such a gesture.”
New Opportunities Amidst Challenges
The program had another surprise for Perdomo as he received an invitation to appear as a guest actor in La Cafetera, a new comedic series by Cubamastv. The show will feature 20 episodes of 10-minute sketches, starring Rigoberto Ferrera, Ángel Ramis, Ladies Díaz, and Núñez herself.
Perdomo's situation mirrors that of countless retired Cubans whose pensions—ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 pesos monthly—translate to merely seven to ten dollars, insufficient to meet basic needs amidst relentless inflation.
In this challenging environment, the solidarity shown by Cubans stands as a testament, in Perdomo's words, that “there are still beautiful human beings, people who empathize.”
Supporting Cuban Artists and Pensioners
How did Roberto Perdomo receive the donation?
During an interview on the podcast Todos hablan, Roberto Perdomo was given an envelope containing $1,531, donated by 63 people, as a gesture of solidarity.
What challenges does Roberto Perdomo face with his pension?
Roberto Perdomo's pension is only 6,000 pesos per month, which he finds insufficient to cover basic expenses or save for a plane ticket to visit his grandson in Spain.
What new role has Roberto Perdomo been offered?
Roberto Perdomo has been invited to join the cast of La Cafetera, a new comedy series by Cubamastv, which will feature 20 episodes of sketches.