Frank González, the beloved and prominent actor in film, radio and television, died at dawn on Friday, April 9, at the age of 73, as a result of a stroke, after a few years away from the media. Audiovisual communication for health reasons, although he was always present in the Cuban people through characters such as Elpidio Valdés, for whom he borrowed his voice in the animated saga of Juan Padrón.
It’s hard not to remember him in front of those expressive phrases full of Cubanness, courage and patriotism that Padrón gave us in every new film like “Al macheteee!”, “María Silvia!” or “That should be seen, compay!”, not to mention his successful professional career, assuming with “versatility and skill, the multiple characters he played in various series and dramatized programs,” as he pointed out Uneac, in his message of condolences to family, friends and colleagues.
The Icaic added the pain caused by the loss of Frank, “whose voice is part of our history, culture and memory.” Throughout his career he has participated as an actor in several feature films, such as El otro Francisco (Sergio Giral, 1974); In three and two (Rolando Díaz, 1985); Baraguá (Jorge Massip, 1986), among others.
According to the ICRT website, in an interview in which he was asked about his ability to take on different voices, Frank commented: “It’s not just about having the ability to change the voice, but to give life to a character from -a cartoon (…). It is to start testing at a microphone until you find the voice, the timbre that works, the sound characteristics that the character must wear from his physical and psychological qualities; I would say he is almost born ». This ability brought him the name of “the man with a thousand voices.”
In addition to the character of Elpidio Valdés (who undoubtedly immortalized him), Frank González also expressed other Icaic works such as Filminutos, the character of Matojo by Manuel Lamar (Lillo) and other Juan Padrón films such as Más Vampiros en La Habana .
The theater, although to a lesser extent, also had him among its exponents. And his performances are mentioned in plays such as Ten Days That Shook the World with Studio Theater Group, Circle Square and Federico’s Romance at the National Theater. But, no doubt, in his more than 50 years of professional work, especially in dramatic radio and television programming, and later in cinema, Frank González has found a way to leave an indelible mark on national culture.
His last public appearance was on October 24, at the José Martí Memorial, where he received the 2019 National Television Award along with other artists. He also received the Microphone from Cuban Radio and the Distinction for National Culture, awarded by the State Council of the Republic of Cuba and the ACTUAR 2016 Award for Life Opera, awarded by the Artistic Agency for the Performing Arts.
At the request of his relatives, his body will be cremated.