The man born in Santiago de Cuba who was impressed by the advertisements on the Manzana de Gómez. The fighter who came to Havana with the illusion of working on the radio as an actor. That Wood man with a surname that, he was told at the beginning of his career, people would confuse with Wong because it seemed Chinese. That savior of cinema, who was loved and present in the memory of the Cuban people. That man who was also known as Salvador, Cepillo or Juanchín. That outstanding actor who made his love for his country and its people his reason to live, is gone.
A portrait surrounded by white roses stands out in the Sala Avellaneda of the National Theater. Along with his remains, the distinction of Hero at Work of the Republic of Cuba and the Alejo Carpentier and Frank País medals lay nearby. He is accompanied for the last time by his family, his life colleagues, his friends and admirers of his work. As they arrive, they offer their condolences and have some last words with him.
Little by little, all stand in the guard of honor around his remains. Moments of pain and nostalgia appear at times. Deep admiration and respect converge in time and space. A room full of people trying to heal the wound opened by his departure in the purest essence of the Cuban people.
A mixture of humbleness, simplicity and fidelity to the Cuban Revolution that makes him belongs to the people of Cuba in a unique way. Man of a human height as great as revolutionary and artistic. Of the stoical breed of Martí and Fidel. A human being that no matter how much one reads about his life, we will never fully know his contribution to the Cuban culture. Salvador Wood, he is that one, impossible to describe with words.
In Context
— Floral wreaths by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and President of the Councils of State and Ministers Miguel Díaz-Canel were sent to the National Theater, where the wake for the ashes of the outstanding actor was held.
— Salvador was a member of the 26 of July Movement, whose activities and participation in the strike of April 9, 1959 forced him into exile in the years when Cuba was fighting against Batista's dictatorship
