Marisa Paredes: The Spanish acting icon has died

The Spanish Film Academy has announced that Marisa Paredes (1946-2024) has died. The actress was one of the biggest stars of Spanish cinema. She achieved cult status particularly through her roles in the films of director Pedro Almodóvar (75). “Spanish cinema loses one of its most iconic actresses,” wrote .

Paredes was 78 years old. According to the academy, she appeared in over 75 theatrical productions. In 2018 she was awarded an honorary Goya, the Spanish film prize, for her life’s work. She was also president of the film academy from 2000 to 2003.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (52) reacted with dismay to the news on the short message platform and praised Marisa Paredes as “one of the most important actresses in our country.” With her work on stage and screen as well as her commitment to democracy, she is “a role model for future generations.”

After initially appearing in supporting roles in the 50s and 60s, Marisa Paredes celebrated her breakthrough in 1980 with “Opera Prima” (“First Works”) by director Fernando Trueba (69). The great success came together with Pedro Almodóvar.

In 1983 she appeared in front of the camera for the Spanish star director for the first time in “The Monastery of Holy Madness”. This was followed by numerous leading roles in his films, including “High Heels”, “My Blooming Secret” and the Oscar-winning film “All About My Mother”.

Paredes has also appeared in international productions, including “Life is Beautiful” by Roberto Benigni (72) and “The Devil’s Backbone” by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro (60). She was active as an actress until the end. In May she attended the Cannes Film Festival. Her last project was a role in the film “Emergency Exit” by Lluís Miñarro (75), which has not yet been released.