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Marisa Paredes, the iconic Spanish actress and muse of Pedro Almodóvar, passed away on December 17, 2024, in Madrid at the age of 78. A true legend of the silver screen, she leaves behind a remarkable career defined by unforgettable roles, celebrated collaborations, and an unwavering commitment to culture and democracy.
Born on April 3, 1946, in Madrid, María Luisa Paredes Bartolomé—known to the world as Marisa Paredes—grew up in an era overshadowed by Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. Raised in a humble family as the fourth child of a concierge and a homemaker, her childhood was marked by hardship. “I endured humiliation and abuse. How could I not become a feminist under such circumstances?” she revealed in El País in February 2024.
At the age of 11, she left school to help support her family. Yet her dreams of artistry began to flourish as she lived near the National Theater, where she found inspiration. At just 15, she landed her first role in a play by José López Rubio—a moment that marked the start of an extraordinary journey spanning more than 75 films and numerous theater performances.
An unforgettable encounter and a memorable voice
In 1989, at the San Sebastián Film Festival, Marisa Paredes crossed paths with filmmaker Daniel Schmitt—an encounter she described as life-changing. “It’s a relationship that will last until death because his cinema is eternal,” she shared in an interview with the Cinémathèque Suisse. Their shared love of theater and opera forged a deep connection.
A decade later, Marisa Paredes took on the role of Becky del Páramo in High Heels, a pivotal moment in her career that she called “an incredible stroke of luck.” “Pedro Almodóvar became my friend and opened the doors of the world to me,” she once said about the celebrated director.
A legendary collaboration with Pedro Almodóvar
Marisa Paredes’ international stardom can largely be attributed to her collaboration with Pedro Almodóvar, who directed her in six major films. Their partnership began in 1983 with Dark Habits, where she played a delightfully eccentric nun. However, it was High Heels (1991) that cemented her legacy. The film, awarded the César for Best Foreign Film, introduced audiences to her unforgettable portrayal of Becky del Páramo—a glamorous, complicated singer. The scene in which she performs Piensa en mí remains one of cinema’s most iconic moments.
Her collaboration with Almodóvar continued with The Flower of My Secret (1995), where she portrayed a novelist in crisis, and All About My Mother (1999), a moving tribute to mothers and artists that earned the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Their artistic journey culminated with The Skin I Live In (2011). “Marisa had absolute trust in me. She gave me everything,” Almodóvar once said.
Memorable roles beyond Spain’s borders
Marisa Paredes also shone in international productions. In 1986, she starred as Griselda in In a Glass Cage by Agustí Villaronga, a dark and complex role that garnered critical acclaim. She later appeared in Guillermo del Toro’s The Devil’s Backbone (2001), a cornerstone of Spanish fantasy cinema.
In 1997, the actress starred with Roberto Benigni in Life Is Beautiful, where her brief yet impactful performance left a mark. For her, the essence of acting was always about quality rather than quantity. “I’ve always been trusted with special characters,” she reflected.
Theater: Her first love
While cinema brought her international recognition, theater remained Marisa Paredes’ greatest passion. Over the years, she delivered powerful performances in works by Federico García Lorca, Anton Chekhov, Henrik Ibsen, and Fyodor Dostoevsky, including roles adapted for Spanish television. “When television was cultivated, I performed all of Chekhov’s and Dostoevsky’s great dramas. It was Russian soul, the grand tragedy,” she once explained.
She often spoke of her deep connection to the stage: “Theater is my true school. It taught me how to feel, how to transmit, and how to embody characters.”
Commitment and recognition
As president of the Spanish Academy of Cinema from 2000 to 2003, Marisa Paredes used her influence to advocate for progressive causes. Over her lifetime, she received numerous accolades, including four Fotogramas de Plata, three Sant Jordi Awards, the National Cinematography Prize, and an Honorary Goya Award.
A loss mourned worldwide
Marisa Paredes’ passing at the age of 78 sparked an outpouring of tributes from around the globe. Antonio Banderas honored her as “a great lady of acting,” while Penélope Cruz remembered her as “a legend taken from us too soon.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighted her cultural impact and political activism: “Her presence in cinema and her fight for democracy will serve as an example for future generations.”
With her distinctive voice, striking presence, and indelible performances, Marisa Paredes remains a timeless icon of the silver screen.
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