When he emigrated to the United States, he knew he was giving up a rising career in Cuba to start all over again. He knew starting from scratch in another country could be difficult. And it was: Lieter Ledesma—a television, cinema, and theater actor in Cuba—worked as a mason, a driver, and a waiter in Miami.
Nine months after leaving the Island, arranging chairs, and doing the dishes—but, as he states, always confident that he would come back to work in his profession—, the 34-year-old Cuban hosts his own show on the Mega TV channel. On the set, Lieter has shown his versatility by performing as interviewer, actor in comic scenes, and even playing and singing a live.
The host of Esta noche… sí talks to OnCuba as the new face of Mega TV.
In Cuba, you were already popular and renowned, you hosted a show at a privileged time; why would you leave everything behind and take new chances?
In life, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I am convinced that a man in his early age must set up his personal assets to hold onto once old age has come. In Cuba, reaching a solid economic status in an honest and legal work is virtually impossible. In spite of my several jobs on television, in the cinema, in the theater, at the Tropicana cabaret…, my economy was based on covering the day-to day expenses, and that is frightening.
I am a young man and am in age to make a fresh start, to strike out, to fight for my dreams and for what I believe in. I want to lead my own life, to be master of my present and future.
What has happened in these nine months in the United States?
As almost everybody else, I went through a bad time. It has been a very difficult time, extremely hard, but I was always certain that was going to be temporary. Living is about choosing, choosing is about ruling out. I prefer to see every day as a beginning and as an educational experience. Being alive is a gift itself. In this time span, I have learned several things at the human and spiritual levels that make me a lucky man.
You are a professionally-trained actor and have experience in this environment, why are you betting now on the world of entertainment?
I always knew the shortest route to serious entertainment or hosting would be here in Miami. There are very few job opportunities for actors due to the lack of drama projects and productions.
In less than a year you have already become the host of a show in prime time in the United States. How did you manage to get to Esta noche…sí?
I came to the show through my manager Conchita Oliva and the scheduling chief of Mega TV, Mr. José Pérez. I do not believe in luck: God is in charge of everything. One projects the aftertime and works from that moment on to reach it. First, you cannot lose track; you have to be focused and get ready for when the time comes.
Tell me about the show, what is your dynamics?
The show is still taking shape, with a daily broadcast from 9:00 to 10:00 pm. One has to stay alert and learn from mistakes, changing every day; and we must be focused to the full. I rely on a team of six producers who work generating several ideas for different moments of every show.
I have never faced this kind of rigor at work before and the stress this involves, but I am learning and looking forward to getting to the end of the road.
Your TV show competes for preference and prime time viewing with the TN3 show of América Tevé hosted by Carlos Otero. Do you feel “rivaling” a master of ceremonies with a more consolidated popularity is challenging for a young host like you?
I compete with myself. My deepest respect and admiration for Mr. Carlos Otero, his excellent job, and proved quality… I have always televiewed him in any project he starts, since Cuba. The worst of working in the same hours is that I cannot watch his program every night.
The ratings and the numbers do not keep me awake. Every night I go out to give the best of myself and I focus on that.
On Mega TV, it is most likely to be compared to Alexis Valdés and his career in the cannel, but Lieter is not Alexis (nor has to be)…
No wonder, each human being is unique and unrepeatable. I do not feel threatened by anybody’s shadows, because I myself have my own too. Everybody has his. Alexis is an unusual talent and his work has set guidelines in all respects. My work and projection are very far from his.
Actually, we are working together on his next play, Officially Gay II, where I have the main role. It is a satisfaction for me that he has called me to work together.
What can be expected of your work as host of the show?
Regarding my work in the show Esta noche…sí, a projection of the best of the Cuban essence is to be expected. We aim at fostering good taste, decency, and better manners, without losing the tropical flavor that characterizes us.
As a master of ceremonies, I look forward to coexisting not only as an actor in comedy, but also in the world of music (singing, dancing, and playing several instruments). Most of all, we want the content of every show to be entertaining without being vulgar or focused on politics. That is pretty much my goal.
