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The emblematic Cuban actor Samuel Claxton, known for his extensive career in film, television, and national theater, is once again at the center of an urgent call for solidarity.
At 82 years old and with a delicate state of health, Claxton now requires disposable diapers, as reported by the platform Cubaactores on their social media.
"We need your help, beautiful family! Urgently, we need disposable diapers for our beloved actor Samuel Claxton," they posted on Facebook.
"Please contact the casting director Libia Batista Mora or write to us...", adds the post.
This new request adds to the previous support efforts the actor has received.
Recently, thanks to the efforts of Libia Batista Mora - the casting director and one of the main advocates for these campaigns - a wheelchair was acquired, a crucial necessity given her physical limitations.
"Thank you for your attention. I now have the wheelchair for actor Samuel Claxton," Batista wrote on Thursday on Facebook.
A historical figure in oblivion
Claxton has been facing a serious health condition for some time, and his basic medical needs are not being met by the institutions responsible for his welfare.
In addition to diapers, on other occasions, assistance has been requested to obtain essential supplies such as urinary catheters and urine collection bags.
Last April, Cubaactores shared photos taken from Libia Batista's profile, in which Samuel appeared quite slim.
The actor underwent surgery two years ago for bladder carcinoma and a year ago he had a percutaneous nephrostomy performed.
On social media, the outcry from his followers was clear: "The least he should have is his urinary catheters and urine collector without having to ask," wrote an outraged netizen in response to the institutional neglect of figures who have contributed to the cultural prestige of the nation.
Samuel Claxton, born in Camagüey in 1943, is a key figure in Cuban art with over 60 films to his credit.
He is widely remembered for his character Mantilla in the popular television series "Su propia guerra," as well as for his work in films such as "En 3 y 2," "Caravana," "La última cena," and in plays like "María Antonia" and "Santa Camila de La Habana Vieja."
Despite his enormous legacy, Claxton faces a heartbreaking reality today: he lives in conditions of extreme vulnerability, relying solely on the care of his wife and the spontaneous assistance of colleagues and citizens.
He resides in the Alamar neighborhood, although he has had to move to another location because he can no longer climb stairs, as Batista reported.
It is not an isolated case
Claxton's situation highlights a broader issue: the lack of state support for artists in their old age.
This week, the case of the actress and singer Iyaima Martínez Navarro, who is facing a very critical health condition and requires medications such as Tramadol, diapers, absorbent sheets, and anti-bed sore creams came to light.
Colleagues such as Hamlet Paredes Grau and Katherine T. Gavilán have publicly requested help for Iyaima, appealing to the compassion of those who can contribute even a gram of relief to her situation.
These testimonies, which are increasingly frequent, reflect the systematic neglect by the Ministry of Culture and UNEAC, entities that—according to actors and citizens—only appear to pay posthumous tributes, but do not take action when their members are still alive and in urgent need of help.
To support Samuel Claxton, those interested can contact Libia Batista Mora directly or reach out to the Cubaactores team, who continue to channel assistance in a direct and transparent manner.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation of Samuel Claxton and the neglect of Cuban artists
What urgent needs does the Cuban actor Samuel Claxton have?
Samuel Claxton urgently needs disposable diapers, as well as other medical supplies such as urinary catheters and urine collection bags. At 82 years old, his health condition is fragile, and he does not receive the necessary support from the relevant institutions in Cuba.
Why does Samuel Claxton depend on citizen solidarity?
Samuel Claxton relies on citizen solidarity because the Cuban state does not provide him with the basic medical supplies he needs for his daily care. Despite his career as an actor, he faces a situation of extreme vulnerability and institutional neglect.
How can we help Samuel Claxton?
To assist Samuel Claxton, those interested can contact Libia Batista Mora or the Cubaactores team, who are still channeling aid directly. Civic solidarity is essential to meet his urgent needs.
What does Claxton's situation reflect about the treatment of older artists in Cuba?
The situation of Samuel Claxton reflects the neglect by the state towards older artists in Cuba. Many artists who significantly contributed to Cuban culture end their lives in vulnerable conditions, without the support of the institutions that should ensure their well-being.
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