Ernesto Alterio and Quim Gutiérrez, two prominent figures in the Spanish film industry, recently appeared on the popular show 'El Hormiguero' to promote their upcoming comedy, 'Un funeral de locos', set to premiere on April 11, 2025. The film, directed by Manuel Gómez Pereira, is a remake of the British film 'Death at a Funeral' and follows a family gathering that spirals into chaos when a long-held secret about the deceased patriarch is revealed.
During their appearance, Alterio and Gutiérrez shared insights about their careers and personal lives, providing viewers with a glimpse into their experiences both on and off the screen. Alterio, who has been a staple in Spanish cinema for nearly three decades, began his career with the film 'Los años bárbaros' and has since garnered multiple Goya Award nominations for his performances in 'Días de fútbol' and 'Un mundo normal'.
Born in Buenos Aires nearly 55 years ago, Alterio's family fled Argentina in 1975 due to political threats against his father, the renowned actor Héctor Alterio. The family settled in Spain, where they faced the challenges of starting anew. "I remember it was raining at the airport, and although I didn't fully understand what was happening, I could sense my parents' anxiety," Alterio recalled in an interview.
Despite the tumultuous beginnings, Alterio's father successfully established a career in Spanish cinema, participating in notable films during the Spanish Transition. Following in his father's footsteps, Alterio initially pursued a degree in History before transitioning to acting, where he found his true calling.
While discussing their new film, Gutiérrez and Alterio also touched on some humorous and personal anecdotes. Alterio recounted a wild experience from his youth involving hallucinogenic mushrooms that led him to believe his friend had the face of a goat. "It got out of hand; I started seeing things differently, and my girlfriend, who hadn’t taken any, panicked and took me to the emergency room," he laughed. This light-hearted exchange showcased their chemistry and camaraderie, both as friends and colleagues.
Gutiérrez, known for his comedic roles in films like 'Primos' and 'La gran familia española', chimed in with his own story about accidentally consuming a chocolate cake laced with marijuana, which resulted in a frantic emergency call. Both actors shared these tales with humor, highlighting the camaraderie that often exists among those in the entertainment industry.
As they prepared for the film's release, the duo expressed gratitude for the support of their fellow cast members, including Inma Cuesta, Belén Rueda, and Antonio Resines, who also made surprise appearances on the show to cheer them on. Gutiérrez noted that this was the first time he and Alterio shared scenes together in a film, despite having collaborated on five previous projects.
Alterio's personal life has also been a topic of interest. He was in a long-term relationship with actress Juana Acosta, with whom he shares a daughter, Lola, born in 2006. The couple separated in 2018 after nearly 15 years together but have maintained a strong co-parenting relationship. Acosta remarked, "We’ve tried to preserve our daughter’s well-being and the love we had for each other, which was beautiful." Lola, now 18, is exploring her own path in acting, following in her parents' footsteps.
Since the separation, Alterio has found love again with Ella Jazz, an artist known for her work in collage and acting. The couple has been together since 2020, and while they keep their relationship relatively private, Jazz has publicly expressed her affection for Alterio on social media, celebrating milestones like his 50th birthday.
Alterio's mother, who has always encouraged him and his sister Malena to have a backup plan in case of career difficulties, humorously suggested they consider buying a taxi to ensure financial stability. This anecdote not only reflects the challenges of being in the acting profession but also the close-knit nature of the Alterio family.
As the premiere of 'Un funeral de locos' approaches, both actors are excited to share their work with the audience. The film promises to deliver a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, showcasing the complexities of family dynamics during a time of loss. With its engaging storyline and the strong performances of its cast, 'Un funeral de locos' is poised to be a hit in Spanish cinemas.
In the end, the visit to 'El Hormiguero' served not only to promote their film but also to connect with fans and reflect on their journeys as actors. As the audience anticipates the film's release, it is clear that both Alterio and Gutiérrez have much to offer, both in their professional endeavors and personal lives.
