Renowned Spanish actor Marisa Paredes, celebrated globally for her roles in Pedro Almodóvar’s films and iconic works such as Life is Beautiful, has passed away at the age of 78. Spain’s film academy confirmed her death on Tuesday, honouring her as one of the nation’s “most iconic actors” and a beloved figure in the arts.
“Her body of work was defined by women who were strong, ambivalent, broken, passionate, enigmatic, but who were, above all, very human,” the academy stated.
Paredes began her cinematic journey at the tender age of 14, quickly rising to prominence with her nuanced performances. Her collaboration with Almodóvar began in 1983 with Dark Habits and spanned decades, featuring in seminal works such as High Heels (1991), The Flower of My Secret (1995), All About My Mother (1999), and The Skin I Live In (2011). Her roles in these films established her as a cornerstone of Almodóvar’s creative universe, embodying complex characters that resonated deeply with audiences.
Beyond Almodóvar’s oeuvre, Paredes starred in Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning Life is Beautiful (1997), and Guillermo del Toro’s haunting The Devil’s Backbone (2001), set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. These performances showcased her versatility and reinforced her stature in international cinema.
A life shaped by art
Born in Madrid in 1946, Paredes grew up near the historic Teatro Español. Her proximity to the theatre and its artistic legacy profoundly influenced her passion for acting.
“I was born with my vocation,” she once remarked. “But it also had a lot to do with the neighbourhood where I lived – the Plaza de Santa Ana. Right in the middle of it back then was that wonderful statue [of playwright Pedro Calderón de la Barca].”
Between 2000 and 2003, Paredes served as president of Spain’s film academy, championing the arts and social causes. In 2018, the academy honoured her lifetime achievements with an honorary Goya award, Spain’s most prestigious film accolade.
Tributes pour in
News of Paredes’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the cultural and political spectrum.
Agustín Almodóvar, brother and production partner of Pedro Almodóvar, expressed his sorrow: “So long, dearest Marisa.”
Antonio Banderas hailed her as one of the “great women of acting,” lamenting her passing: “You’ve left us too soon, dear friend.”
Penélope Cruz, who shared the screen with Paredes in All About My Mother, wrote, “My dear Marisa, you’ve left us too soon. I love you. Safe journey.”
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Gilles Jacob, former president of the Cannes Film Festival, reminisced about her “calm grace; that gentle cheer that she ignited with one look of her pale eyes.”
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, underscored her cultural and social impact, stating: “Her presence in cinema and theatre and her commitment to democracy will be an example to future generations.”
Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz paid tribute to Paredes’s humanitarian spirit: “She was always ready to help anyone who needed speaking up for and she always defended just causes. Today, the world is a little sadder and a little darker. We’re really going to miss you.”
A lasting legacy
Paredes’s career spanned over 75 films, where she consistently delivered performances that captivated and inspired. She was known for portraying women of depth and complexity, balancing vulnerability with strength. Her commitment to her craft and advocacy for social justice left an indelible mark on the Spanish arts community and beyond.
To honour her memory, a wake will be held at the Teatro Español on Wednesday morning, allowing fans and colleagues to pay their respects to the legendary actor who brought so much light to cinema and theatre.
Marisa Paredes’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a beacon of Spanish and international cinema will endure, celebrated by generations to come.
