Mario Aguirre: National Humor Award 2022

Generations of Cubans have laughed with Mario Aguirre, with his jokes and his characters, although he has always been aware that humor is a very serious thing. Of course, he has the skill for sparkling improvisation, which he has shown in hundreds of interviews and shows on radio and television, but he always trusts on the value of a script: humor conceived from reflection, which does not ignore the importance of spontaneity, the gift of surprise.

Time and time again he had been nominated for the National Humor Award, which he has deserved for a long time. He has finally earned it this year, according to the decision of a jury.

Born in 1948, Mario Rodríguez Aguirre —Mario Aguirre is his stage name— has dabbled in all media, but he is, first and foremost, a man of the theater. He worked with greats of the national scene: Vicente and Raquel Revuelta, Berta Martínez, Armando Suárez del Villar, Héctor Quintero...He is what is called a trained actor. Humor, in any case, has often been the circumstance. He has always cared more about playing a role.

He is one of the leading figures of Cuban musical theater, which he has defended as a space for full professional achievement, in years of cyclical crises of this genre in Cuba.

Director Roberto Garriga had a strong influence on him. And he had been also a permanent presence on Cuban television, in comedy series, musical shows, soap operas... He had gained popularity with many characters. Among them, the character of Regla stands out, an elderly hypochondriac who has also performed in the theater and the cabaret.

The National Humor Award recognizes his commitment to a creation with strong popular roots, which has not made concessions to the vulgarity of a certain market. Mario Aguirre is one of the most popular Cuban comedians, because he is first —it is known— a traditional artist.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff