Will There Be a Face-Off between Panfilo and Obama?

Rumor has it that popular comedian Luis Silva, who performs the now larger-than-life character of Panfilo, and U.S. President Barack Obama could meet during the official visit to Cuba.

Watch pictures & videos of President Obama’s Cuba visit here

Without totally admitting or ruling it out, Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez mentioned the possibility of a meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and popular Cuban comedian Luis Silva, who plays the famous Panfilo character.

When was asked about it by a Cuban journalist during a press conference on Thursday in Havana, Mr. Rodriguez pointed out that “many U.S. citizens learn details on the political reality by means of comedy shows and stand-up comedians, and numerous Cuban actors will be interested in working with Obama,” according to Granma newspaper.

The rumors related to a possible meeting between Obama and Silva have been making headlines in the social media and people even talk about it in the streets of Cuba, a common way to spread out the news that are not shown by the conventional news outlets.

Luis Daniel Silva, an outstanding Cuban actor, is the creator of the character named Panfilo and he plays it in “Vivir del Cuento” primetime comedy show, which has been broadcast on the Cuban television since 2008 and stands out as one of the best-rated shows in the country.

Silva has visited America in different moments as part of the cultural exchange that has gained momentum between both nations in recent years.

He has performed in public spaces and on TV shows, even sharing the limelight with U.S.-based stars of Cuban comedy, such as famous presenter and comedian Carlos Otero.

Panfilo, or rather, Luis Silva, was born on October 9, 1978 in Havana, and since he was studying at Havana University, he joined the comedy realm, first as an amateur performer and later as a professional actor.

Silva spent years part-timing his work as a professor of Computer Sciences –in which he got his degree- and his career on the radio, television and the performing arts.

He has been garnered numerous prizes as a scriptwriter, producer and even a comedy writer. However, the Panfilo character has significantly increased his popularity, who is always accompanied by his inseparable friend Chequera and other picturesque characters portrayed as today’s Cuban retired pensioners.