Marisa Paredes, Almodóvar Muse and Goya Honoree, Dies at 78

Dec 17, 2024, 08:35 AM

Renowned Spanish actress Marisa Paredes has passed away this Tuesday morning at the age of 78. Paredes, celebrated for her extensive career in film and theatre, was a prominent figure in Spanish cinema and an iconic muse of director Pedro Almodóvar, having starred in six of his films, including "Tacones Lejanos" ("High Heels") and "Todo Sobre Mi Madre" ("All About My Mother"). She received the Goya de Honor in 2018 for her contributions to cinema and served as the president of the Spanish Film Academy, notably during the controversial "No a la guerra" ("No to war") ceremony opposing the Iraq War. Known for her commitment to democracy and social rights, Paredes attended the first homage to victims of the Franco regime in the Congress of Deputies the day before her death. Her passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from colleagues and political figures, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who expressed being "desolated" by the news. She was admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell and died hours later. Paredes leaves behind her daughter, actress María Isasi, and her granddaughter Thelma.