Juan Padron, a leading Cuban filmmaker who won the National Humor Award in 2004 and the National Film Award in 2008, and one of the country's most renowned cartoonists, died early Tuesday morning of a serious lung disease.

His work as the creator of the most important Cuban cartoon, Elpidio Valdes, will pass through generations, accompanying the daily life of the people of this country as it has done until now, with his characteristic patriotism, humor and sense of duty.

"¡Arriba caballero!", "¡Hasta la vista compay!", and many other phrases immortalized by Padron through his brave mambi, will continue being part of the popular speech of Cubans and will keep it in everyone's memory, as well as the creator of our tropical dracula, with his saga Vampires in Havana.

His son Ian Padron, a talented filmmaker, published on his Facebook page a loving farewell, which allowed people to know the news:

"Our beloved father Juan Padron has just passed away at 5.20 am today, March 24, 2020. "The last mambi" struggled for 20 days and departed full of love and peace. We thank all the doctors, friends and admirers who during these days have shown their affection and admiration for this great artist who is already part of the Cuban people and the independence of Cuba".

Juan Padron (1947-2020) participated as a jury member or with his works in several festivals around the world, he was a professor at the University of the Arts and gave conferences and classes on animation in European cities and workshops on storyboard in several Latin American countries, Prensa Latina reported.