Carmen Maura: how two marriages and financial struggles changed her outlook on love
The 80-year-old actress revealed why she now chooses solitude and dogs over relationships
Carmen Maura’s personal journey — how the Spanish film star redefined her priorities after 80
In Spanish cinema, it’s rare to find an actress who speaks so openly about age and personal change. Carmen Maura, who just turned 80, is once again in the spotlight following the premiere of the film “Calle Málaga.” Her candid remarks about men and relationships drew wide attention, especially against the backdrop of her long, often challenging personal story. According to Divinity, the actress makes no secret that the years and hardships she has faced have changed her views on love and sharing a life with someone.
In her new film, Maura dared to take on her first intimate scene, a move that became a symbol of her inner freedom. However, her comments about not seeing herself in a new relationship with a man have sparked even more discussion. The actress jokes that she would rather get another dog than share her home with a partner again. This attitude, she says, comes not just from age, but also from her personal experiences, which were far from cloudless.
Personal journey and transformation
Maura has repeatedly emphasized that in an industry where appearance often determines one’s career, she has consciously refused to undergo plastic surgery. She says numerous necessary medical procedures have made her indifferent to the idea of rejuvenation for work. In an interview after the Malaga festival, the actress admitted that as she gets older she feels freer and is no longer willing to compromise to meet others’ expectations.
Her remarks about not being sure if she could fall in love again, but definitely not wanting to let a man into her home, reflect a shift in her personal priorities. Maura jokingly says she now prefers the company of dogs to a new relationship. Many of her fans share this perspective, noting that the actress’s honesty and self-irony make her even more relatable to the audience.
Two marriages and their consequences
Maura’s personal life has been anything but simple. Her first marriage to lawyer Francisco Forteza ended in a painful breakup and the loss of custody of her children. In the early 1970s, when the actress decided to pursue a film career, her husband was strongly opposed, leading to a long separation from her children, whom he took to the Canary Islands. She was only able to rebuild her relationship with her daughter and son years later, when the children themselves wanted to learn the other side of the family story.
Her second marriage to Antonio Moreno Rubio brought its own share of challenges. After her husband’s death, Maura discovered significant debts, which she had to pay off for nearly two decades. According to Divinity, the actress does not hide that these financial hardships were a serious lesson. She admits she wishes she had been more cautious in choosing partners, but now chooses not to dwell on the past.
Freedom and New Values
Maura is open about the fact that as she gets older, her desire to live by her own rules has only grown stronger. She is not afraid to go against the grain and refuses to conform to others’ expectations. In interviews, the actress notes that she is now more drawn to independence and the chance to pursue her passions without worrying about public opinion. This approach resonates with many older women, who see Maura as an example of strength and self-reliance.
In Spanish society, the topic of personal freedom and rethinking relationships in later life is becoming increasingly relevant. Maura’s story is not unique. Recently, there was a discussion about Mar Flores’s absence from her niece’s wedding, which also sparked a wave of comments about family values and personal priorities (details about why Mar Flores missed the family celebration).
Maura continues to work in film, openly stating that she now chooses only those projects that truly interest her. Her views on personal life and relationships with men have sparked discussion not only among fans but also within the industry. As Divinity notes, the actress’s candor is seen as a display of strength, not weakness.
Carmen Maura is one of the most recognizable figures in Spanish cinema. Her career began in the 1970s, and since then she has appeared in dozens of films, earning numerous awards. Maura is known not only for her acting talent, but also for her ability to speak openly about complex topics, making her a symbol of independence and inner freedom for several generations of viewers. Her life journey demonstrates how personal challenges can become a source of strength and inspiration.
