Paz Padilla, the renowned Spanish actress and television presenter, graced the set of Antena 3's popular show, El Hormiguero, on February 26. She appeared to promote her heartfelt theatrical work, El humor de mi vida, which explores themes of grief and resilience with her characteristic humor.
During her visit, Padilla opened up about her personal struggles following the tragic death of her brother, Luis, four months ago. She emphasized the importance of addressing grief openly, stating, "It’s such a beautiful play; people tell me it helps them greatly. It’s a story about acceptance and support during mourning. I use humor to talk about serious matters," (reported by Diez Minutos).
Padilla's sense of humor was as sharp as ever, and her banter with El Hormiguero host Pablo Motos underscored the lighthearted tone of the show. Motos jokingly remarked, "I’m alive by miracle," reflecting on the playful antics they shared before the show started. He recounted their attempt to create a TikTok video, where Padilla humorously pretended he was her baby wrapped in clothing. "You nearly killed me... I was struggling to breathe," Motos quipped, as they showcased their comedic chemistry on screen.
Adding to the family dynamic, Padilla’s daughter, Anna Ferrer, joined them on the set. Anna shared her own anecdote about her last visit to El Hormiguero, which drew laughter when she revealed, "Yes, I came to see Broncano because I didn’t want to miss it," leading to light-hearted exchanges about their mutual friend who has yet to invite Padilla to his own show. "How many times have you told Broncano I want to go on his show?" Padilla asked Anna, leading Motos to interject humorously, "Don’t worry, he’ll mention it tomorrow," playfully acknowledging the competitive nature of television.
Paz Padilla's candor and authenticity shone through as she reflected on her personal losses and how they influenced her work. She described how grieving is often difficult for society to discuss and how her play provides both acknowledgement and comfort for those experiencing similar losses. By sharing personal experiences, Padilla aims to remind others of the power of humor and acceptance.
"The society is not prepared to visualize loss. There’s emotional turbulence, and you need to reinvent yourself when you suffer the loss of someone you love. You feel fear about who might be next," she expressed, indicating the universal nature of her themes.
While reflecting on these poignant matters, Padilla maintained a humorous approach, illustrating her resilience. "The hardest moments are during the holidays and significant dates without them. After my brother’s funeral, I recalled my mother’s saying, ‘If you come back from one funeral without having had wine, your next funeral is on the way,’ and we toasted to my brother at the local bar," she recounted, showcasing her colorful storytelling.
This unique blend of humor and raw emotion has endeared Padilla to many, as she continues her theater tour, which has reportedly included over 200 performances. Her commitment to using laughter as therapy has cemented her role as not just a performer, but also as a guide for those grappling with loss.
Paz Padilla's visit to El Hormiguero was more than just promotional; it served as a platform for addressing the importance of openness about grief and the transformative power of humor. With her dynamic presence and heartfelt words, she left both the audience and viewers with valuable insights and plenty of laughter.