The Cuban actor and radio host Ronny Mayo has passed away suddenly this week, just days after finishing his latest project, the radio series "My Boys, Los Saíz." His unexpected death has sent ripples through the acting community, with fellow actors, directors, and friends expressing their shock and admiration for Mayo, who worked diligently right up until his final days.
The cause of Mayo's death has not been disclosed to the public. Among the heartfelt tributes, actress Yaneisy Sánchez shared a poignant farewell, recalling her conversation with him just a day prior. "I didn't know you were so ill. Yesterday, you only mentioned having a fever," she wrote.
Meanwhile, actress Tamara Castellanos remembered working alongside Mayo a week before his passing. "Just a week ago, we recorded the final episode of your series about the Saíz brothers," she lamented, referring to "My Boys, Los Saíz," a radio production created to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Saíz Brothers Association, now one of Mayo's last works.
A Hidden Struggle Behind the Scenes
Mayo's passing also brought to light a lesser-known aspect of his life. Director Manuel Ramírez Heras, in his tribute, revealed that Mayo juggled multiple jobs to support his family, as his earnings as an actor were insufficient. "I'm working as a night guard and at a small business because what I earn as an actor isn't enough to sustain my family," Mayo had confided, according to Ramírez Heras.
Fellow performer Geoberti Jiménez echoed this sentiment, linking Mayo's experience to the economic hardships faced by many artists in Cuba. "Life is hitting us hard. Many of us are burdened by the fact that our work doesn't support us financially," he wrote.
A Career Shaped by Radio
Mayo's artistic journey began in 1994 when he enrolled at the "Carlos Moctezuma" Acting Seminar, led by masters Raúl Eguren and Pedro Ángel Vera at the ICRT's Artistic Talent hub, now home to Canal Habana. While he appeared in television productions like "Tras la huella" and "El que debe vivir," his professional legacy was largely shaped by his work in radio. He was also associated with the Actuar Caricatos group.
His death comes shortly after another significant loss in Cuban radio – the passing of Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa on September 14, a renowned broadcaster with over three decades of experience, known for his voice on Radio Taíno's "Cuba Tonight."
Among those mourning Mayo's loss, his friend and colleague Nevalis Quintana Fernández captured the shock and sorrow felt by many. "I don't know what caused this sudden farewell when, despite the harsh circumstances, we were full of dreams and youth," he wrote.
Ronny Mayo's untimely death came just days after he took to the microphone for the last time, balancing his artistic passion with other jobs to support his loved ones.
Understanding the Impact of Ronny Mayo's Work
What was Ronny Mayo's latest project before his passing?
Ronny Mayo's latest project was the radio series "My Boys, Los Saíz," created to honor the 40th anniversary of the Saíz Brothers Association.
How did Ronny Mayo manage to support his family?
To support his family, Ronny Mayo took on additional jobs, including working as a night guard and at a small business, due to insufficient earnings from his acting career.
What is Ronny Mayo's legacy in Cuban entertainment?
Ronny Mayo is remembered for his significant contributions to Cuban radio and his involvement with the Actuar Caricatos group, alongside appearances in television productions.