Fred Gades, Ernesto in Return to the Heart: The Greatest Reward Is the Audience’s Affection

From his graduate studies in Europe, our beloved Ernesto, from the Cuban telenovela Return to the Heart, continues to be both an excellent partner and a devoted father.

Meanwhile, here on the island, CubaSí spoke with young actor Fred Gades, who brings to life a character that challenges stereotypes through love.

—How did you come to Return to the Heart and, specifically, to the character of Ernesto?

“I joined Return to the Heart because a friend told me they were holding auditions. I mentioned it to two other friends, and we showed up almost at the very end of the casting process. I learned a scene they were giving to everyone that day, performed it with a friend, and that was it. About three days later, they wrote to me for a closed audition and sent me a scene—this time between Ernesto and Adriano. The day arrived, and that’s when I met Tony. We ran the scene a couple of times and then left, without expecting anything. Shortly after, they told us right there that the roles were ours.”

—Is this your first experience on television?

“It’s my first telenovela and the longest project I’ve worked on with such dramatic weight. But before this, I had already worked with Roly Peña in the second and third seasons of the series UNO, and I also had a scene in Promise and in Fight Against Bandits. In October 2024, just before starting to shoot the telenovela, I filmed four scenes for a feature film with Roly Peña as well.”

—How do you feel about the result we are now seeing on screen?

“I’m quite happy with the result, although one always wishes to do better. That’s something we all critique ourselves about, and it pushes us to improve in future projects and roles.”

—What were the greatest challenges that Ernesto presented to you?

“The greatest challenge was carrying the dramatic weight in several scenes and trying to make them as sincere as possible. I always say that when you believe it and enjoy it, the audience will enjoy it too. That’s the magic of acting.”

—And the greatest rewards?

“The greatest reward was working with an excellent team—respectful and always ready to help, from the directors and actors to the entire crew, without whom good art is impossible. Also, the affection of many colleagues and new peers you begin to meet. And now, the reaction and warmth of the audience, which is ultimately whom we work for.”

—Current projects?

“At the moment, I’m fully dedicated to a theater production with the Hubert de Blanck Company, working on the masterful text Dangerous Liaisons. I’m surrounded by talented actors and guided by the exquisite direction of Yudid Carreño and Juan Carlos, who are also actors with the company. Beyond that, I remain open to promising projects, including some international ones that are currently in development.”

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque / CubaSí Translation Staff