The upcoming opening of the restaurant "El Callejón del Tarro" on the 12th, owned by Nelson Gudín—familiarly known as "Bacán de la Vida"—has been a hot topic in our recent conversation when I caught up with him on Calle 8 in Little Havana.
Crafting Characters and Finding Joy
"Flor de Anís, Bacán, Urbinito, Mentepollo... Who am I interviewing?" I asked. "Which of these characters brings you the most happiness?" Many comedians stick to one character, so I was curious why Gudín had several. "Flor, Urbinito, and Bacán are my creations, though Mentepollo is portrayed by Carlos Gonzalvo," he explained. "I prefer to answer as Nelson Gudín since each character has its own quirks and independent thought processes. I create these characters out of a creative need, and they all bring me immense joy."
He gained widespread recognition with Bacán de la Vida, although he had developed other characters in the theater. "Flor de Anís allowed me to express thoughts from a feminine perspective, while Urbinito brought me closer to the Cuban peasant, who is seemingly simple but full of wisdom. Being a 'guajiro' myself, I could portray the Cuban reality I knew so well."
From Pilón to the Stage
Gudín started his artistic journey in Pilón, Granma, where he dabbled in theater with a local group. "I consider myself self-taught," he revealed. "My love for literature and theater began in childhood, and I've been passionate ever since. I even learned to read with my father before starting school." His television debut in Cuba came in 2000, recommended by Osvaldo Doimeadiós and Antolín el Pichón.
Challenges of Humor in Communist Cuba
Reflecting on his time in Cuban television, Gudín shared, "Working in a communist country with no freedom of expression was tough, especially with a show like 'Deja que yo te cuente,' which was socially critical. We faced technological limitations and censorship, yet our goal was to reflect the people's reality."
Despite the challenges, Gudín appreciated his television experience, stating, "I was disciplined with the editorial policies in both Cuba and Miami, where I've worked. But I always express myself freely on social media."
New Beginnings in Miami
After years of performing in the U.S. and facing professional censorship in Cuba, Gudín decided to settle in Miami. "I was already censored in Cuba, with no job prospects. So, when a work opportunity arose in Miami, I took it," he recounted.
His latest venture, opening a restaurant, blends his culinary skills with family recipes. "This was a pizzeria, but I turned it into a restaurant using my grandmother's recipes. I hope to give people a taste of home cooking, like yuca with fried eggs or tasajo with sweet potatoes."
Embracing Opportunities in a New World
Addressing the perception that Miami is a "cemetery for Cuban artists," Gudín disagreed, stating, "It depends on one's outlook. I came here not to seek fame but to find stability and opportunity. This place offers endless possibilities if you're willing to adapt."
Gudín's journey from a Cuban television personality to a Miami-based entrepreneur reflects his adaptability and resilience. He continues to embrace new roles, whether in entertainment or hospitality, with a focus on family and community.