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Endry Cardeno, Colombia's first transgender actress
When she first appeared on public television, Endry Cardeno did not yet realize the impact she would have on Colombian society.
In 2005, she participated in the soap opera
Los Reyes
(“The Kings”), produced by a national channel, RCN.
18 years later, she has built her career as Colombia's first transgender actress across television, theater and film.
Today, she is embarking on a career as a comedian.
For her first
stand-up
, she is in Medellin, on the stage of Mero Bar.
Endry Cardeno is the first transgender actress in the history of Colombian television.
© Najet Benrabaa / RFI
By: Najet Benrabaa Follow
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From our correspondent in Colombia,
At the entrance to Mero Bar, the largest stage dedicated to humor in Medellin, the poster says “
Sold Out
”.
Nearly 200 people came this evening to see Endry Cardeno.
The 48-year-old actress comes from Bogota for the occasion.
She prepared her first
stand-up
inspired by her personal and professional life.
His arrival is quite discreet.
She wears a black outfit, pants, vest, black crop-top, a necklace shines brightly.
Her hairstyle is elegant and lifted to highlight her long mahogany red hair.
Before entering the stage,
Endry Cardeno
will change his outfit for a shimmering gray dress with fringes and sequins.
Two outfits, two facets of this extraordinary woman.
Mixture of fairy tale and pain
Originally from Cucuta, in the north of Santander, Endry Cardeno was called in 2005 to be cast for the series
Los Reyes
to play her own role: that of a trans woman.
She was in Italy at the time.
It was a shock.
“
It was a bit like a Cinderella story with, of course, problems.
We needed to raise public awareness about the life of the trans community.
I faced many obstacles, a lot of so-called
"micro-violence and discrimination"
, things that were trivialized at that time
.
But, I have always made sure that other trans girls see it as an easy path, because I want them to also give themselves the means to succeed, to think that if I could do it, they would. can too.
»
The success of the
Los Reyes
soap opera was immediate.
Even today, it is one of the most appreciated by Colombians.
But nothing was decided in advance.
On the contrary, it was a big bet for the Colombian television channel RCN: to put on screen the first transgender woman in a conservative country, with a Catholic and macho majority.
“
18 years later, we still have to fight.
Nothing is definitively acquired.
Trans people, for being so visible in the midst of the invisible, we are the standard bearers of respect for difference.
»
Colombia
is the third country most affected by homicides and feminicides against LGBTIQ+ people.
According to the prosecutor's office, in 2022, 3,645 complaints of death threats against LGBTIQ+ people were recorded, or around ten threats per day in the country and hundreds of assassinations.
Endry Cardeno
has of course experienced ups and downs.
Her films, her series, her award for best antagonistic actress in a television series in 2015 allowed her to withstand the shock.
Then, she was always able to count on the affection of her audience.
As evidenced by his Instagram account with nearly 380,000 followers.
She often makes the headlines.
She participated in several television shows such as “Masterchef Colombia” or “Dancing with the Stars”, which allowed her to increase her notoriety.
“
All I know how to say in French is:
“With me
. ”
Because during the filming of the film
Cheila, una casa pa'Maïta
, it was my script.
Besides, I've only kissed one woman in my life.
It was my French colleague Élodie Bernardeau for this film.
I admire the entire world of Miss France.
I am a fan.
The cabaret is also a great reference.
I draw a lot of inspiration from them in the outfits and postures.
I love the beauty, the elegance, the sweetness of French women.
»
“A biting humor”
At the start of 2024, she is performing on stage at the
Mero Bar
for a comedy festival.
One of the founders of the bar restaurant is a
stand-up
professional , Adrian Parada.
He also shared the screen with the actress for the cooking show.
“
Mero Bar was
born from a bet by four people who wanted to offer an exceptional place to local and national artists.
Mero means
“exaggerated, unusual”
.
What could be better than Endry Cardeno for our first comedy festival
“Mero festival de comedia 2024”
?
»
For Adrian Parada and his associates, it was time to offer “
his biting humor
” to the public.
“
We wanted her to take the plunge with this first monologue at our house.
Because we like taking risks.
She had already taken to the stage at the Mero bar for a podcast called “La Mesa de Trabajo”.
He's a great personality.
She has a big following.
In my opinion, Endry has, as they say, a lot of natural "chispa".
It’s this unique and strong spark that she gives off.
She has a lot of pain and truths to share.
That’s what comedy feeds on, our pain.
So we will suffer and laugh with her.
»
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