Luis Zahera, the versatile Spanish actor from Santiago de Compostela, garnered much attention during his recent appearance on the popular talk show 'El Hormiguero' alongside fellow actor Karra Elejalde. The duo was at the show to discuss their new film, 'Tierra de nadie', set to premiere on March 28, 2025. Zahera, who is 58 and already a two-time Goya Award winner, became the center of discussions not only regarding his professional achievements but also his personal experiences and background.
Zahera, famed for his roles in films such as 'El reino' (2018) and 'As bestas' (2022), shared snippets from his life before fame. Before embarking on his acting career, Zahera had quite the journey: in the early '90s, he relocated to New York, where he worked various jobs, including serving in a luxury restaurant and, notably, working on the demolition of the Twin Towers. „I did demolition work on the 64th floor of Colgate. We were hired to demolish that floor and we spent about a month there,” he shared during the show.
His personal anecdotes delved into his relationship with Spanish politician Alberto Núñez Feijóo. The two first connected during Christmas 2019 when they filmed a video together wishing Galicians well during the holiday season. Zahera remarked, “I get along very well with Alberto and I try to get along with everyone.” Their camaraderie was a warm addition to Zahera’s narrative, lending a glimpse into the actor's off-screen friendships and political connections.
While Zahera’s charm and talent have captivated many, his health concerns surfaced in his recent discussions, specifically regarding his prostate issues. “I had a prostate scare, and I don’t mind admitting it. I stopped urinating and had to be catheterized, leaving me completely shocked,” he recounted in a candid interview for El Mundo in 2024.
On the day of the interview, Zahera, along with Elejalde, brought a sense of humor and light-hearted banter to the audience of 'El Hormiguero.' They entertained the viewers with tales from the set of their latest film, 'Tierra de nadie.' Zahera humorously noted, “It’s interesting that in this film, I play a policeman, while my colleague plays a drug trafficker. It’s the reverse world!”
Elejalde chimed in, pointing out the film's themes, which include a critical social commentary about Spain being a gateway for narcotrafficking. “In the film, we highlight how narcos have better infrastructures than the authorities trying to stop them,” he offered, giving context to the film's premise.
Their lighthearted banter was punctuated by reflections on their film-making challenges, particularly dealing with the elements during filming. Speaking about the harsh conditions of shooting maritime scenes, Elejalde detailed, “We suffered through artificial rain, which is much colder than natural rain.”
Zahera transformed their shared stories into moments filled with laughter, expressing amusement at his own clumsiness during the making of the film. “I injured myself when I foolishly jumped off a ladder,” he quipped, while Elejalde expanded on his own experiences of injury, stating, “I was hurt in 15 places on my body. I had an umbilical hernia and endured foot problems for five months.”
The conversation shifted to more intimate topics as Zahera, reflecting on life and personal ambitions, recalled one of his childhood pranks in Santiago's Catedral. “When I was seven, during the Botafumeiro ceremony, I would sneak across the middle, and people would look surprised, but no one would help me,” he shared, adding a sweet reflection on his early comedic exploits.
Humor aside, the duo highlighted a deeper relationship with various personas in their industry. Zahera took a more fangirled approach, mentioning his past admiration for actors like Antonio Durán 'Morris', confessing, “I used to attend plays just to watch him perform because I admired his art.”
In a more philosophical turn, Elejalde took the opportunity to urge young actors to appreciate the essence of real-life heroes over celebrity culture. “I’m not a fan of athletes or artists. If I saw Keith Richards, I wouldn’t ask for a photo. I’d rather acknowledge someone like a fireman or a doctor,” he suggested.
The evening maintained a balance of humor, personal anecdotes, and reflections on a range of themes, from the light-heartedness of sharing awards to the challenging side of acting. Zahera jokingly responded to Elejalde’s advice regarding critical reception at award shows, explaining, “If you are prepared for defeat, you won’t be disappointed.”
As the night wound down, the conversation returned to their film project, revealing how making 'Tierra de nadie' sparked newfound friendships among the cast. The chemistry between Zahera and Elejalde underpinning all their exchanges was a testament to their shared history and passion for their craft. With the film set to hit theaters soon, both actors expressed their excitement in sharing their artistic endeavors with broader audiences.
In conclusion, Zahera's story is not just one of acting prowess, but of resilience, humor, and a broad perspective on both life and connections made along the way. His experiences in New York, his work alongside influential individuals like Elejalde, and his candor during challenging health moments, paint a complex portrait of a man dedicated to his art and the stories he wishes to tell.
