Paula Alí: Renowned Cuban Film, Television, and Stage Actress

Paula Andrea Alí Rivera (26 January 1938 – 3 August 2026) was a prominent Cuban film, television, and stage actress whose career spanned more than six decades. Recognized across Cuba and internationally for her versatile performances, Alí became a foundational figure in Cuban performing arts through her long-standing collaborations with premier theater groups and her prolific work in national television and cinema.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Candelaria, Cuba, on 26 January 1938, Alí initially entered the Cuban entertainment industry as a television model in 1959. Transitioning from modeling to dramatic arts, she established herself on the stage by joining the Havana-based Teatro Martí in 1965. Her early theatrical foundation paved the way for decades of prominent stage work.

Stage and Theater Career

In 1970, Alí joined the renowned theater company Teatro Estudio, and she later collaborated extensively with Teatro El Público. Her theatrical repertoire included major dramatic works such as Virgilio Piñera's Aire frío, Federico García Lorca's Blood Wedding and La casa de Bernarda Alba, and José Antonio Rodríguez's Los inventos de un escaparate.

In 2002, working with Teatro El Público under the direction of Carlos dimers, Alí took on the iconic role of Celestina in a production of La Celestina. Her nuanced portrayal—interpreting the character as a softer force—earned widespread critical praise. Her stage performance in Una mujer sola garnered the Segismundo award alongside recognition from the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) in 1990.

Through her theater companies, Alí performed extensively both domestically and on international tours across Latin America—including Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela—and in European nations such as Portugal, Spain, and Yugoslavia.

Film and Television Work

Alí became widely recognized by Cuban audiences through her television work, which included roles in telenovelas, dramatic series, and comedies. She portrayed Rosa Matriz in the comedy program Punto G, appearing alongside her nephew. Her television credits also featured popular programs such as ¡Oh, La Habana!, La otra esquina, and Sábados de gloria (2025).

In cinema, Alí maintained an active presence from the late 1980s through the 2020s. Her notable film appearances included Letters from the Park (1988), The Elephant and the Bicycle (1994), Nothing More (2001), Horn of Plenty (2008), Esther Somewhere (2013), and Neurótica anónima (2026). For her role in Nothing More, she received the Best Actress award at the Cartagena International Film Festival in 2003.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Alí received numerous honors from cultural institutions in Cuba. Her accolades included the National Culture Award, the Artista de Mérito de la Radio y la Televisión award in 2012, and the Raúl Gómez García medal. In July 2026, shortly before her passing, the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba presented her with a lifetime achievement award.

Personal Life and Death

Alí passed away in Havana on 3 August 2026 at the age of 88. Her death was officially confirmed by the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba.