Emilita Dago

The super stardom of Emilita Dago in Venezuela lasted for over ten years and by 1970 she decided to semi-retire in the United States, first in New York and later in Miami, the capital city of the Cuban Diaspora. She took on certain stage projects that she considered important like headlining the stage musical "Las Leandras" at Miami Dade County Auditorium. From her new home, Miss Dago traveled frequently with her one woman show to Puerto Rico, Panama, Mexico and of course Venezuela which she considers her second homeland. However she has not returned to her dear Venezuela since that country fell to a similar political ideology as that of Cuba, and remains committed to her democratic ideals. Emilita lives in quiet retirement in Miami surrounded by family and friends but enjoys keeping in touch with her fan base through social media.

1959 brought the Cuban Revolution and a fierce communist dictatorship took over the Caribbean island. Freedom-loving Emilita fled her homeland and found refuge in Caracas, Venezuela where she relaunched her career. Soon her beauty, charisma and talents won over the South American country. Emilita became a household name with her now legendary recordings as a vocalist for Los Melódicos and other bands including her own "Emilita's Combo". She was a constant presence on Venezuelan television and often embarked on concert tours all over the country due to the enormous popularity of her hit records. Meanwhile in Cuba, her own country, Emilita's name was erased from history by the Castro regime in retaliation for her stance against the communist ideology and for having gone into exile.

In 1953 the opportunity came for more serious acting with the film "Misión al norte de Seul", a romantic thriller that was well received by film goers. Actually, the young star didn't have much time to pursue a career in movies since she remained in great demand on television, radio and stages demonstrating her versatility in dramas, comedies, musicals and even as a television hostess. Emilita's fame reached all over Latin America and she was invited to sing in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Argentina and Venezuela.

Very popular Cuban singer, actress, and all around entertainer whose career spanned over half a century. She was born in Havana of immigrant Spanish parents and started performing at a very early age. She was barely 12 years old when she won a talent contest on a highly rated radio show. She became a regular on live radio broadcasts and performed regularly in the many cultural centers and theaters of Havana. With the arrival of television, Emilita made a successful transition to the small screen which showed off her youthful beauty as well as her talents as a singer and comedienne. At 16 she costarred in the film "Cuando las mujeres mandan" (1951) a vehicle for one of Cuba's most popular comedy teams "Garrido & Piñero", and a dull excuse to show off good looking females in sexy attires. On that film Emilia didn't do much but, at least, she got to sing a couple of tunes.

By the late 1950's she was one of Cuba's most popular performers but her life was about to change drastically.