revolution. opponents concede castro's popularity diminished as his beard grew whiter. but his intelligence and shrewdness continued to command fear and respect. he would eventually outlive many of his critics and outlast ten u.s. administrations. in the end, it was illness, not washington that forced him to retire. passing cuba's leadership to his younger brother raul. in his last years, castro appeared only occasionally, mostly in photos looking frail. at times he tried to play the role of elder statesman. but more and more he seemly seemed inconsequential. >> translator: the cuban government has been very agile, it has slowly removed him from the scene. it would have been one thing if he abruptly died. >> reporter: castro always insisted something that he has feared. >> translator: i have never been afraid of death. i'm not concerned about death.