Puerto Rican actor and musician Ramón “Moncho” Saldaña passed away yesterday, Friday, his family confirmed in a publication on social networks. In a joint statement, his sons Álvaro, Diego, and Ramón Emilio communicated their father’s passing “after a short illness.”
“Father, partner, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and loved by all. He dedicated himself to music and acting. He lived a full life with his family and friends,” reads the message.
Saldaña stood out in the acting field in film, theater, and television with projects in and out of Puerto Rico.
The Humacao-born actor had the opportunity to work in the soap operas “General Hospital,” “Tormento” (Wapa TV), “La Isla” (TeleOnce), “Cuando calienta el sol” and “Dueña y señora” (Telemundo).
She acted in the films “Hemmingway,” “Compuesta y sin Novio,” “Autopsy,” “The Dream Team,” “Sunstorm,” “Los Seijo Díaz,” “Brenda Starr,” “Show of Force,” “Amistad,” “Under Suspicion” and “El sueño del Regreso” and “Mi casa.com,” among other productions.
He also filmed commercials for companies such as “Fresh Milk,” “Black Jack,” “Budweiser,” “Walgreens,” “Poncebank,” “McDonald’s”, “Movistar,” and “Suzuki.”
According to the National Foundation for Popular Culture, Saldaña was born on June 2 in Humacao. He began his musical career at the age of 16.
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He sang in English and Spanish with the San José and Los Tropicales groups at the Holiday Inn Hotel and later with Mickey Juarbe’s group at the Hunca Munca at the Hotel San Juan. He then moved to the United States. He performed at the Club Restaurant Dionisios, distinguished because it was frequented by personalities such as Jacqueline Onassis, Liza Minelli, and other Hollywood figures.
Later, he performed in the Bahamas, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and Miami, where he made contact with people from different cultures. Shortly after completing his performances in the Caribbean, he returned to New York City, where he met a six-week contract at the Arab club El Ibis.
After his return to Puerto Rico, Saldaña sang at Hugo’s Tasca in Old San Juan. He went on to participate in the Segundo Festival de la Canción y la Voz.
In 2016 he presented his album “Autorretrato.” In 1980, the Alhambra label released a single album with the guaracha jíbara “¡Qué bella es mi tierra!” and the dance “Amanecer.”
Saldaña graduated from the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Puerto Rico with a major in English and Arts. After graduating, he taught mathematics and physical education at an elementary school. However, he continued to travel to New York to strengthen his musical talents after enrolling in piano and singing courses.
He completed post-graduate studies at the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music while continuing his individual and choral vocal training.