Havana, Cuba – Alden Knight, a towering figure in Cuban culture, has died in Havana, officials confirmed today, February 10th. He was a prominent actor, declaimer, presenter, teacher, and radio personality, widely regarded as a staunch defender of Cuban national identity.
Knight’s career spanned decades, encompassing stage, screen, and radio. He is remembered for his role as Mefistófeles in a production of the play of the same name staged by the Teatro Musical de La Habana, and for his appearance in the 1975 film, El otro Francisco.
Beyond acting, Knight was a celebrated artist in other disciplines. He recorded a disc of poems and calipsos, focusing primarily on the work of Cuba’s National Poet, Nicolás Guillén. He as well founded the program “Hablando de Cuba” on Radio Taíno, which first aired on November 3, 1985 – the same day the station began broadcasting.
At the time of his death, Knight held numerous accolades, including the Medalla Alejo Carpentier, the Reconocimiento Nicolás Guillén, the Escudo de la Ciudad de Sancti Spiríritus, the Espejo de Paciencia of Camagüey, the Réplica del Machete de Máximo Gómez, the Premio Nacional de Televisión, the ICAIC’s Sello 65, and the Distinción por los 25 años de Caricatos.
News of Knight’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from across Cuba’s artistic community and beyond. Details regarding funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
