Ivonne Coll Reflects on Loss, Art, and Staying Positive
Puerto Rican actress Ivonne Coll recently shared personal reflections on the loss of her husband, Xavier Cifre, her enduring passion for the arts, and her approach to negativity. In an interview, Coll spoke movingly about Cifre’s legacy and how she navigates life without him, while also discussing her artistic pursuits and beliefs on dealing with criticism.
Coll emphasized that her work and life choices continue to honor her late husband’s wishes. “One never fully overcomes that pain and sadness; you have to learn to live with it,because there is no one like him,” she stated,recalling their 30 years of marriage preceded by a long friendship. She described working for Cifre’s production company, Producciones Xavier Cifre, early in her career, traveling from Venezuela to participate in his theatrical productions. “He was so respectful and courteous… We were together 24/7, we couldn’t be apart from each othre. That’s why his departure is so hard; it leaves a void in your body.”
Cifre’s contributions to puerto Rican theater were significant. Through his company, Productora Nacional de Teatro, he provided employment opportunities for many and pioneered innovative approaches to bringing theatre to wider audiences. Coll highlighted his role as a “tireless cultural manager who significantly contributed to the development of the performing arts in Puerto Rico.”
Like many public figures, Coll has faced personal attacks and censure. She revealed her strategy for dealing with such negativity: silence. “That saying ‘silence gives consent’ is almost never true. Silence speaks louder than words. When someone is constantly arguing, humiliating, and offending you, why should I waste my energy on them? That’s a projection of themselves. I just keep moving forward,” she explained. She expressed sadness for those who choose to engage in baseless judgment rather than personal growth, preferring to focus on the support of those who care for her.
Beyond acting, Coll finds solace and expression in painting, a lifelong passion.She described painting as a stress reliever and a personal outlet, initially hesitant to exhibit her work publicly but now open to the possibility. Her style focuses on portraiture, capturing human figures, faces, and realistic expressions.“I’ve painted many human figures, many faces, gestures and realistic expressions to a certain extent. I need to be more positive with painting… Sometimes things come out serious, like when I write, wanting to resolve everything in a verse, and in painting with a gesture.”
When asked about her enduring youthful appearance, Coll offered a perspective that went beyond superficial tricks. “Every woman will say she has her trick. Sincerely, there’s no trick that works to look young if you don’t have a clean spirit, with good wishes for others.”