This week on Pasapalabra, four famous guests joined the show, including actor Javier Pereira, Paco Pastor, Carla Hidalgo, and model Eva Pedraza. Each of these celebrities aimed to assist the contestants grappling with the challenges posed by the popular television format hosted by Roberto Leal. Among these well-known figures, Eva Pedraza stands out as one of the lesser-known names, even though her career spans several industries including modeling and public service.
Eva Pedraza, born on March 23, 1971, in Córdoba, is the sixth of nine siblings. Her rise to fame began when she was just 17 years old. Encouraged by her parents, she entered the Miss Córdoba pageant, leading to her subsequent participation—and victory—in the Miss España competition. This pivotal moment changed the course of her life, as she decided to forgo university education, which she considered, possibly studying Chemistry or Medicine, for a career in modeling. Her participation was largely due to happenstance; she attended the pageant to support a friend and was urged to compete herself.
After her crowning as Miss Córdoba on August 18, 1988, and as Miss Spain shortly thereafter, Pedraza moved to Madrid. There, she embarked on her television career as a hostess on the game show El precio justo and featured on other shows such as ¡Ay, qué calor! and El peor programa de la semana. Despite achieving this recognition, she later acknowledged to Diario de Córdoba and Vanitatis how challenging her early experiences were. "I had quite low self-esteem. I didn’t see myself as pretty and was often bullied at school," she revealed, reflecting on how it took those accolades for her to start viewing herself differently.
Pedraza’s career expanded beyond modeling and television presenting. After studying dramatic arts, she featured prominently in Spanish television series such as Tierra de lobos, Hermanos de leche, and Arrayán. While developing her acting career, she also made waves as a businesswoman, starting her own clothing line and opening a successful laser hair removal clinic.
Besides her media endeavors, Pedraza delved briefly before 2015, serving as the councillor for the Delegation of Women and Equality within Córdoba’s city council and as an advisor for the People's Party. Her motivation to engage politically stemmed from her desire to advocate for gender equality, which she expressed to Diez Minutos: "I fight as much as I can within the budget constraints to improve women's stability, especially during the current crisis. Women are often the hardest hit by these circumstances."
On the occasion of her recent appearance on Pasapalabra, Pedraza shared her past experiences and expressed enthusiasm about helping the contestants as each celebrity contributes to the game focused on their knowledge and strategic competencies. The episode not only spotlighted her continual relevance within the entertainment industry but also reflected her diverse career trajectories—modeling, acting, presenting, and managing her businesses.
Her media visibility, particularly through shows like Pasapalabra, reinforces her place in the public eye, where she has remained for decades, balancing her professional projects alongside her family life. Throughout her life, she has experienced significant personal milestones, including two marriages and the responsibilities of motherhood to three children. Eva Pedraza's resilience and dynamism showcase her multifaceted persona, one who continues to engage audiences both on-screen and through her social advocacy efforts.
Reflecting on her extensive career, Pedraza affirmed, "I feel quite fulfilled. I have been the mother of three children, which I always desired. I am also a businesswoman, wife, and very active. I live life intensely." These sentiments resonate with many who have followed her career through various media and who appreciate her contributions to the arts and community.