Learn About Cuban Culture By Watching ¿Que Pasa, U.S.A?

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Discover Miami Through Cuban-American Eyes

So let’s say you live in Miami or South Florida and are surrounded by Cuban-Americans—or Cubans who have recreated a slice of Havana here—and you find yourself thinking, “what’s up with these people?!”

Enter ¿Que Pasa, U.S.A?, a show that decodes the Cuban-American puzzle. Produced by WPBT with federal support from the Emergency School Aid Act, it was the first bilingual TV show to air nationally on public television. Head writer Luis Santeiro and executive producer Jose (Pepe) Bahamonde captured the reality of life in Miami in the wake of the Cuban exile influx.

The series follows the Peña family: grandparents Adela and Antonio, parents Juana and Pepe, and children Joe and Carmen, navigating the push and pull between their Cuban heritage and life in America. Humor arises naturally as cultural and generational misunderstandings collide, revealing both the challenges and charm of bilingual, bicultural life in Miami.

Hilarious, Heartfelt, and Surprisingly Relatable

The show’s episodes are simple, easy to follow, and universally funny. Everyday situations spiral hilariously due to linguistic and cultural barriers, showcasing the genius of its writing. Over-the-top acting and modest production values only add to its authenticity.

For anyone who grew up in a Cuban-American household—or lived in a bilingual environment—the show resonates deeply. Viewers see themselves in Joe and Carmen, caught between respecting their elders and seeking acceptance in American society.

Miami as More Than a Backdrop

While the story is universal, the series is unmistakably Miami. The city’s neighborhoods, homes, and local flavor are woven naturally into the show, making the setting feel authentic. From family homes brimming with figurines to local hangouts and cultural nods, the city is a character in itself, reflecting the Cuban-American experience of the era.

What Happened to the Cast?

Fans of ¿Que Pasa, U.S.A? will be happy to know where the actors ended up:

Grandparents: Luis Oquendo (Antonio) passed around the time of Hurricane Andrew; Velia Martinez (Adela) passed a year later.

Parents:

• Juana (Ana Margarita Martinez-Casado) continued her theater career in New York, later became Humana’s spokesperson, and now works in local theater.
• Pepe (Manolo Villaverde) earned an insurance license, performed on Nickelodeon’s Gulla Gulla Island, and continues to perform locally in South Florida.

Kids:

• Joe (Rocky Echevarria/Steven Bauer) appeared in Scarface, Traffic, The Lost City, and guest spots on TV like Law & Order: SVU.
• Carmen (Ana Margarita Menendez/Ana Margo) worked in TV guest spots, local theater, and radio, and now serves as PR director for a LASIK company.

Others:

• Sharon (Barbara Ann Martin) shifted from acting to production and public relations, living in South Florida.
• Violeta (Connie Ramirez) lives in Los Angeles.
• Patricia Jimenez stayed in South Florida, actively involved in media and campaigns.

The show’s impact remains profound, both culturally and comedically. Its depiction of the Cuban-American experience in Miami continues to resonate decades later.

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Editor’s Note: Originally published on December 11, 2007, this article was updated in 2026 for clarity while preserving Tere’s original voice and perspective on Miami culture.

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