The Cuban presenter and comedian Alexis Valdés took to Instagram to celebrate his "colleague and friend" Jorge Perugorría on the occasion of the 59th birthday of the co-star of "Fresa y Chocolate."
"Today is El Pichi's birthday. An iconic actor in Cuban cinema over the past 35 years. A friend from our youth, from the beginning of his career and mine (although I was a bit ahead, which perhaps suggests I'm a bit older than him)," Valdés wrote. He recalled their first meeting during the filming of the telenovela "Tren de noviembre" in the late 1980s.
According to Valdés, Perugorría—whom he worked with again in the 1989 novela "De tu sueño a mi sueño"—had "that personal charm that made him beloved by his colleagues." Valdés reminisced about the cinematic phenomenon that was "Fresa y Chocolate," which he saw while living in Spain.
"I met him at its premiere at the Capitol Cinema in Madrid. As always, he was very affectionate and always had that big smile, which lit up his face every time I said something funny. That smile that won over half the world in many movies," Valdés detailed.
"Years and years have passed, yet he still keeps his charm and smile. He has built a remarkable career in cinema, perhaps like no other Cuban actor of his generation," Valdés emphasized.
Alexis concluded his message with the hope that "one day, things in our homeland will be simpler" and that he can reunite with Perugorría on a set. Until that moment arrives, he sent him a big hug and shared his "Décima del instante," which CiberCuba published:
"Master of empathy
with his giant smile
celebrates his birthday, the gallant
and charming Perugorría.
This décima today
is to celebrate his journey
through life, and that stroke
painted with tenderness,
entirely genius and figure,
El Pichi, that great guy."
Jorge Perugorría's Enduring Charm and Career
In light of Alexis Valdés' heartfelt birthday message to Jorge Perugorría, here are some frequently asked questions about the actor's career and enduring charm.
Who is Jorge Perugorría?
Jorge Perugorría is a renowned Cuban actor known for his role in the film "Fresa y Chocolate." He has had a significant impact on Cuban cinema over the past 35 years.
How did Alexis Valdés and Jorge Perugorría first meet?
Alexis Valdés and Jorge Perugorría first met during the filming of the telenovela "Tren de noviembre" in the late 1980s.
What is "Fresa y Chocolate" about?
"Fresa y Chocolate" is a Cuban film that explores the friendship between a gay artist and a young communist. It was a groundbreaking film in Cuban cinema and brought international attention to Jorge Perugorría.
What message did Alexis Valdés share for Jorge Perugorría's birthday?
Alexis Valdés shared a heartfelt message celebrating Jorge Perugorría's charm, smile, and remarkable career in cinema, expressing hope for a future reunion on set.