Havana, March 24 (RHC) -- Cuban cartoonist and filmmaker, Juan Padrón, creator of the legendary Elpidio Valdés cartoons, died on March 24, after having being hospitalized for almost a month.

Her son, Ian Padrón, released the news on his Facebook profile:  ‘Our beloved father, Juan Padrón, has just passed to posterity at 5.20 a.m. today, March 24, 2020. The last “mambí” struggled for his life for 20 days and leaves the world full of love and tranquility. We thank all doctors, friends and admirers who, throughout these days, have shown their love and admiration for the great artist who is already part of Cuba and Cuba’s independence. We will always remember you as the funniest, humble and great human being that we have ever met in our lives. Thank you for “Elpidio Valdés”, for “Vampires in Havana” and above all, for being such a noble, loving father and husband. Goodbye, “compay”! ’

Graduated with a Degree in Art History at the University of Havana in 1978, since 1973 he was already working at the Cuban Film Institute’s Animation Studios. In 1970, he created the famous character Elpidio Valdés, who appeared for the first time on the pages of the weekly "Pionero" and who was later included in both series and animated films.

He was the film director of several animated films made with different techniques and duration. They include the series “Elpidio Valdés”, “Filminutos”, “Quinoscopios”, “Mafalda” and “Más se perdió en Cuba; feature films, such as "Una aventura de Elpidio Valdés", "Elpidio Valdés contra dólar y cañón", "Vampiros en la Habana!", "Mafalda", "Más se perdió en Cuba" and "Más vampiros en la Habana".

During his fruitful life, he received decorations and prizes, such as the National Film Award in 2008, the Distinction for National Culture, the Alejo Carpentier Medal, the Félix Varela Order, various Coral awards at Havana’s International New Latin American Film Festivals, among others. Three of his films are part of the collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art MOMA.