Spanish actress and Almodóvar collaborator Maria Paredes dies aged 78

Marisa Paredes, known as the star of multiple Pedro Almodóvar films, has died at the age of 78.

News of the passing of the acclaimed Spanish actress was confirmed by the Spanish Film Academy on Tuesday (December 17), who noted that she died in Madrid and that “Spanish cinema is left without one of its most iconic actresses”.

“Strong, ambivalent, heartbroken, passionate, enigmatic and ultimately very human women made up the acting work of the woman from Madrid,” they added.

Paredes became known as “una chica Almodóvar” (“an Almodóvar girl”) after appearing in a number of the director’s features, from 1991’s High Heels and 1995’s The Flower Of My Secret to 1999’s All About My Mother and 2011’s The Skin I Live In.

Beyond that collaboration, she was celebrated for her work in over 75 films, notably Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning World War II drama Life Is Beautiful and Guillermo Del Toro’s 2001 horror The Devil’s Backbone.

Among those to pay tribute to Paredes was Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, who wrote on X: “Devastated by the news of the death of Marisa Paredes, one of the most important actresses our country has ever produced. Her presence in film and theatre and her commitment to democracy will be an example for future generations. A heartfelt hug to her family and loved ones. Thank you, Marisa.”

Desolado por la noticia del fallecimiento de Marisa Paredes, una de las actrices más importantes que ha dado nuestro país.

Su presencia en cine y teatro y su compromiso con la democracia serán un ejemplo para generaciones posteriores.

Un sentido abrazo a su familia y seres… https://t.co/ZpEu85dSf3

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) December 17, 2024

Antonio Banderas described Paredes as one of the “great women of acting”, adding: “You’ve left us too soon, dear friend.” Pedro Almodóvar’s brother and production partner Agustin, meanwhile, said “we’re devastated by the news”.

Paredes was born in the Spanish capital in 1946 and made her film debut at the age of 14. Her breakthrough arrived with her first Almodóvar collaboration in 1983, Dark Habits.

Her work with him earned her a second Goya Award nomination – the Spanish equivalent of the Oscars – in 1995 for The Flower Of My Secret, after also being nominated for 1988’s Turnip Top. She later picked up an honorary Goya in 2018 for her career achievements. Her role in Life Is Beautiful also earned her a nomination at the Screen Actors Guild awards.

Paredes also served as the president of the Spanish Film Academy between 2000 and 2003.

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