Marisa Paredes: The Star of Spanish Cinema Passes Away at 78

The world of cinema mourns the loss of Marisa Paredes, a towering figure of Spanish film and a cherished muse of auteur Pedro Almodóvar. The actress, whose career spanned over six decades and encompassed more than 75 films, passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 78 in her beloved Madrid.

An Unforgettable Collaborator of Pedro Almodóvar

Paredes is indelibly linked to her work with Pedro Almodóvar, appearing in five of his iconic films: Dark Habits (1983), High Heels (1991), The Flower of My Secret (1995), All About My Mother (1999), and The Skin I Live In (2011). Her portrayal of strong, enigmatic women—sometimes broken but always profoundly human—defined her artistry. She described her performance in The Flower of My Secret as one of her most personal and resonant, a testament to her ability to channel vulnerability and strength with equal intensity.

A Global Presence

While her collaborations with Almodóvar brought her international acclaim, Paredes’ filmography extended far beyond Spain. She starred in Roberto Benigni’s Oscar-winning Life is Beautiful (1997), Guillermo del Toro’s haunting The Devil’s Backbone (2001), and Arturo Ripstein’s Deep Crimson (1996). Her versatility also shone in works by directors such as Raoul Ruiz, Alain Tanner, and Manoel de Oliveira.

Roots in Madrid, Aspirations Beyond

Born in 1946 in Madrid, Paredes grew up near the city’s iconic Teatro Español, where her passion for acting first took root. A janitor’s daughter, she often reflected on her working-class origins, crediting her upbringing for her resilience and deep sense of empathy. At just 14, she debuted on the big screen, but it was through theatre and television that she honed her craft, performing Chekhov, Dostoevsky, and Ibsen with the gravitas that later defined her cinematic roles.

An Advocate for Art and Justice

Beyond acting, Paredes served as President of the Spanish Film Academy from 2000 to 2003, championing freedom of expression and social justice. She notably supported anti-war protests at the 2003 Goya Awards, cementing her reputation as both an artist and an advocate for human rights.

A Life Honored and Remembered

Paredes’ contributions to cinema were celebrated with numerous accolades, including an Honorary Goya in 2018 and the National Cinematography Award in 1996. Despite her glamorous on-screen persona, those who knew her personally spoke of her warmth, humour, and generosity.

She is survived by her longtime partner, Chema Prado, the former head of Spain’s Filmoteca, and her daughter, actress María Isasi.