I was stunned today to discover today that Alexis Díaz de Villegas, the lead actor in 2010 Spanish-Cuban zombie comedy film, Juan de los muertos [Juan of the Dead], written and directed by Alejandro Brugués, had passed away. In fact, I found out through the moving words of Brugués himself, who posted a beautiful tribute on Facebook along with photos of Díaz throughout the filming process.

Aleynes Palacios Hurtado (Prensa Latina) writes about the reactions of various cultural institutions, such as the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC):

This Cuban institution recalled the outstanding career in theater, television, and cinema of this artist, who acted in films such as Juan de los muertos, Entre ciclones, El cuerno de la abundancia and Kangamba, and sent its condolences to family and friends.

Carlos Celdran, a playwright, teacher and artistic and general director of the Argos Teatro group, said about Díaz de Villegas on his Facebook profile: “your talent and energy were so close to me (…) for a moment I thought you were all theater.”

For his part, actor Carlos Luis Gonzalez, who has acted in novels [soap operas], series, and adventures, including Los Tres Villalobos, Con palabras propias, Tierras de fuego and Patrulla 444, recalled his work as an academic at the Universidad de las Artes (University of the Arts, ISA).

The star of the crime series U.N.O, the ConCiencia space and the films Habana Blues and Fábula said: “I owe much of what I am today to your perseverance and your faith in actors, wherever you are I send you a hug and a big kiss, my teacher and friend.”

Teatro El Público, directed by Carlos Diaz, praised the “man devoted to his art” and noted his acting as a member of the company in plays such as La Gaviota, La Celestina, Fedra, Calígula and El otro cuarto, on the scene of iconic Trianon theater in this capital [Havana].

For original article, see https://www.plenglish.com/news/2022/06/24/cuban-institutions-mourn-death-of-alexis-diaz-de-villegas/