A US actor’s love for Cuba

Shocked by a warm welcome during his stay in Havana, the US actor, musician and comedian Jim Belushi appreciated Cuban cigars at the time, and praised the character and passion of the tobacco growers.

During the 14th Habano Festival (2012), which he attended as a special guest, he confessed his love for Premium, hand-rolled cigars, in particular for Havana cigars, of which he declared himself extremely fond.

On that occasion, he was asked by this journalist about his predilections in terms of brands, and he rambled between the quality of the cigars and the beauty of Cuban women, mentioning Romeo y Julieta, or Behike from Cohiba.

He recalled that since 1987 he has smoked cigars, when he was filming a movie and tried a cigar that made him dizzy, but then he managed to adapt to that pleasure.

At the time he noted his interest in returning to Cuba as quickly as possible, and was very interested in the people here, especially the tobacco growers, whose anecdotes he appreciated through a documentary by the US journalist James Suckling.

Precisely, the film Cigars: The Heart and Soul of Cuba was very well received during its presentation on the final day of the Festival (from February 27 to March 2, at Havana’s International Conference Center).

The Hollywood actor shared with the models at the ceremony, with journalists and cigar and wine experts, and summarized his predilection for Cuba in its people, for his passion and care.

During the early morning presentation of the Habano of the Year Award and auction, he went on stage and exhibited his histrionic and musical skills by playing a piece with his harmonica and sharing with the winners, to whom he presented the diploma.

With a high-sounding phrase and a wide gesture of his arms he said, “I love Cuba,” and showed the widest smile of gratitude for being invited to the Festival.

James Adam “Jim” Belushi (Chicago, Illinois; June 15, 1954) has successfully dedicated his life to acting in film and television, in addition to being a comedian and a musician.

After graduating from Wheaton Central High School, Belushi attended the College of DuPage and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a degree in Theater Arts.

Jim Belushi was the younger brother of actor John Belushi (1949-1982), who died prematurely.

The Festival guest began his career in the late 1970s in television series and made his film debut in 1981.

He has performed in the motion picture Salvador, by Oliver Stone, and has played different roles. In 1987 he shared the spotlight with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Danko, Red Heat, a Police Couple, when he began smoking cigars.