The world of film and television is mourning the loss of Verónica Echegui, the celebrated Spanish actress who passed away on Sunday at the age of 42.
Echegui had been privately battling cancer and was hospitalised in Madrid, according to local reports.
Her death marks the end of an 18-year career that brought her acclaim both in Spain and abroad.
Rising Star in Spanish Cinema
Echegui first captured the public’s attention with her breakout role in I am Juani (2006), a performance that quickly established her as a rising star in Spanish cinema.
She continued to shine in My Prisoner’s Yard (2008), directed by Belén Macías and produced by Pedro Almodóvar, cementing her reputation as a versatile and compelling performer.
Over her career, she appeared in more than 30 films and TV shows, earning praise for her talent and dedication.
International Success
Echegui’s talent crossed borders with her Hollywood debut in 2013’s The Cold Light Of Day, where she shared the screen with Sigourney Weaver and Bruce Willis.
She also worked with British comedians Noel Fielding and Richard Ayoade in Bunny And The Bull (2009), and more recently appeared alongside Sam Claflin in the bilingual Prime Video rom-com Book of Love (2022).
She further impressed audiences with her role in Amazon Prime’s Arctic-set series Fortitude.
Final Role Explores Life and Death
Her last on-screen appearance came in the Apple TV+ series Love You To Death, filmed in August 2023 and released earlier this year.
The rom-com follows Raúl (Joan Amargós), who reconnects with his childhood friend Marta (Echegui) after his heart cancer diagnosis.
Echegui spoke candidly about the series’ themes in interviews, reflecting on illness, love, and the meaning of life.
“The series asks many questions about death and life, because it’s impossible to talk about death without talking about life and how you live it,” she said.
“I think the people who love you are the only ones who have the courage to say to you: ‘Have you considered whether this is right? Are you happy like this or not?’”
From Madrid to the World Stage
Born in Madrid in 1983, Echegui left her sociology studies behind to train at the Royal School of Dramatic Art.
She began her career with small television roles in A New Life and Paco and Veva, gradually building a body of work that showcased her range and dedication.
Tributes Pour In
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting her “immense talent and humility.”
“I was deeply shocked by the news of Verónica Echegui’s passing, an actress with enormous talent and humility who leaves us far too young.
My sincere embrace in these difficult moments for the entire family and friends,” he wrote.
The Spanish Actors and Actresses Union also honored Echegui, celebrating her lasting contributions to cinema and the performing arts, remembering a star who touched audiences both at home and internationally.
