Tributes poured in for acclaimed Spanish actress Marisa Paredes, who passed away on December 17, 2024, at the age of 78. A memorial service was held on Wednesday at Teatro Español, located at the iconic Plaza de Santa Ana, Madrid, where her remains rested for two hours, allowing fans and colleagues to pay their final respects.
Among those attending was the respected actor José Sacristán, who shared poignant reflections on Paredes' legacy. ‘It is difficult to summarize the professional and personal path of Marisa as both an actress and citizen,’ Sacristán remarked. ‘Her life reflected her thoughts and feelings advocating for values under constant threat—her memory is indelible.’ Sacristán, who directed Paredes in his second film, Cara de acelga, emphasized her exemplary commitment to social issues. ‘Her advocacy for social justice will continue to inspire,’ he declared.
The atmosphere at the service was deeply emotional as numerous artists from the Spanish entertainment industry gathered. Loles León, Bibiana Fernández, and Rossy de Palma were among those who expressed their grief and admiration. Fernández remarked, ‘Here, she fell in love with cinema and theatre; she departs as what she truly was—a queen.’ Meanwhile, Javier Calvo fondly remembered their recent conversation, where Paredes expressed her excitement about upcoming film and theatre projects. ‘We had so many things still to accomplish,’ he lamented.
Paredes' contributions extended beyond acting, marking her as one of Spain’s cinematic royalty. With more than 75 films to her name, she became known not just for her roles but also as the president of the Academy of Film from 2000 to 2003. The announcement of her passing shocked the cultural community, highlighting her status as more than just ‘an Almódovar girl,’ as Fernández put it. ‘She was royalty within this industry,’ she emphasized.
The sombre occasion was marked not only by tears but also by fond reminiscences. During the tribute, friends shared anecdotes of Paredes' vibrancy and relentless spirit, with León saying, ‘She always brought so much character and energy to every project.’ Paredes was remembered for her powerful personality, with De Palma commenting, ‘Her sweetness was incredibly strong; she brought beauty to this farewell.’
Javier Ambrossi and Calvo reminisced about their experiences working with her on Vestidas de azul, stressing her exceptional talent and vivacity. ‘I have never seen someone so alive,’ Ambrossi said. ‘She will continue to inspire future generations.’
The director of the Academy of Cinema, Fernando Méndez Leite, celebrated Paredes’ expansive career, focusing on her collaborations with elite Spanish and European filmmakers. ‘Her influence traversed not just Spanish cinema, but the larger European and Latin American film landscapes,’ he stated, recalling her notable performances under directors like Pedro Almodóvar, Agustí Villaronga, and Jaime Chávarri.
At the funeral, the mood reflected both tragedy and celebration. A large photograph of Paredes smiling adorned the center of the stage, surrounded by numerous floral tributes. While many attendees chose to remain silent, letting their collective grief speak volumes, others shared poignant memories and reiterated how sudden and sorrowful her death felt.
Local political representatives also weighed in on the legacy Paredes left behind. Marta Rivera de la Cruz, the Madrid Culture delegate, pointed out the actress's special attachment to the Teatro Español, stating it was where she dreamed of succeeding as a child. ‘It was the last theatre she visited just days before her passing,’ Rivera added, indicating the deep, lifelong connections Paredes had with her craft.
Rita Maestre, councilwoman from the Sumar political group, expressed her intention to seek approval for dedicated tributes to Paredes across Madrid, asserting, ‘She was committed to justice and her community, embodying the spirit of Madrid.’ The event ended with heartfelt applause from the attendees, accompanied by cheers of ‘Great!’ and ‘Brave!’ as the cultural community bid farewell to one of its most cherished figures.
Marisa Paredes leaves behind not only her cinematic legacy but also countless lives touched by her fierce dedication to advocacy and performance. The echoes of her laughter, her roles, and her assertive spirit will live on, felt by many who knew her and admired her work.
