After the abilities, Brando, who had been bisexual, became popular that have Superman, ditching the fresh dancers

Among the nicknames to own Superman, a smaller requested nickname leftover appearing: Enrique los angeles Reina (Enrique new King). “I questioned a few people that performed within Shanghai, and told you categorically one to Superman are gay,” Prieto informed you. Centered on Lowinger’s account, Marlon Brando shortly after questioned to meet up Superman during the one of his true visits to Havana, arriving at the new Shanghai having a couple of showgirls into the his possession.

There could were no pleasure derived from the abilities. It was all of the a work, most of the towards the recreation of audience. “It was their ability. It actually was their occupations,” Gacio told you. “The guy attained their managing their human body, perhaps not their head. He had a cost.”

Roberto Gacio together with thinks you to definitely Superman try gay hence new rumor regarding affair that have Brando holds true

A Cuban documentary filmmaker you to Mike and that i had met during the New york introduced me to their brother, Willy, just who demonstrated us up to. Willy are an excellent 52-year-dated gourmand and you may Lothario, men from the town during the Havana whom appeared to understand individuals. He previously an astonishing cravings for females; throughout the the ten-tour, the guy frequently slipped out to have salty rendezvous right back at the their apartment. A slimmer people with a well-groomed peppery goatee and you will a keen earring, Willy provided to play the role of our very own fixer.

I found Willy in the Habana Vieja during the Este Floridita, a pub popular within the 1950s Havana. It had been heaving having visitors taking daiquiris as soon as we showed up immediately after dinner. It presented to have photo with a tan statue off Hemingway, who have been a frequent for the bar’s heyday. “I detest this place,” Willy said. “This place is like Times Rectangular.”

Willy said he’d specific intel on the Superman. The guy realized men exactly who knew a guy just who know Superman. “Superman are referred to as ‘Queen regarding Italy.’ But when you called him the fresh new Queen, however strike you,” Willy said. As to why Italy? Willy did not know, however, the guy said we are able to meet the guy whom passed on one advice.

The new get in touch with is actually a reporter called Rolando who had created numerous guides toward Havana communities. Rolando along with did once the an excellent podiatrist so you’re able to unsere Website complement their money; Willy had setup a meeting the second early morning at this podiatry office. Rolando got and additionally informed Willy he understood in which Superman after lived-a local called Barrio de- los Sitios, close to a chapel. It had been a similar people Prieto had stated. Willy said the guy imagine the guy realized this new stop, and he and additionally knew a vintage lady exactly who resided there. We had wade here tomorrow. Realize la pista .

Having Gacio, the brand new performer’s sexual orientation suggests an undercurrent off depression to his facts

Rolando, the brand new author/podiatrist, existed towards the an effective cut-off within the Habana Vieja, simply regarding among site visitors-heavier avenue. He was 71 yrs old and you will used a white healthcare provider’s coating more than pants and you will sandals. He previously one particular dated-people smiles that completely hidden his front side white teeth and you will good bushel regarding white nose hairs.

His podiatry work environment is actually next door so you’re able to their family. Mike and i also sat regarding the dusty, dimly lit wishing area whenever you are Rolando has worked about back place, smoking an effective cigar, investigating a good person’s bunions.

We were to satisfy a person titled Eduardo, a pal from Superman’s. It actually was 10 a good.m. and we also got started awaiting half-hour. Rolando told me to waiting a small offered; Eduardo carry out appear soon. The atmosphere when you look at the wishing area are rigid and you will smelled away from mothballs. Additional, the trail try real time having early morning pastime.

Shortly after one hour off wishing, Rolando came up on the bunion medication to break the latest not so great news: He’d only spoken to Eduardo over the telephone, and he wasn’t future. “The guy does not want to talk. The guy does not want a photo. They are afraid.”