This past Saturday, the Spanish cultural scene lost one of its brightest stars—Héctor Alterio passed away at the age of 96. Born in Buenos Aires in 1929, he had lived and worked in Spain since the mid-1970s, becoming a true legend of theater and film. His creative journey spanned over seven decades, and his contributions to the arts were celebrated not only by colleagues, but also by countless admirers.
The actor’s family announced his passing with a brief yet heartfelt statement, noting that Alterio died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after a long and fulfilling life dedicated entirely to his art and family. His son Ernesto, himself a well-known actor, emphasized that his father remained active until his last days, continuing to inspire those around him with his talent and energy.
Family Ties
In the funeral hall, among those gathered, many notable figures from the Spanish stage could be seen. Special attention was drawn to Juana Acosta—the former wife of Ernesto Alterio and mother of his daughter Lola. Despite her separation from Ernesto, Juana maintained a close relationship with the family and always expressed deep respect for Héctor, who was for her not just a relative but a true mentor and friend.
The actress chose not to make any public statements on the day of the farewell, remaining out of the spotlight. However, a few hours after the ceremony, she shared a heartfelt message on social media. Accompanying her words was a black-and-white photo showing Juana and Héctor together—a snapshot that became a symbol of their special bond.
Personal memories
In her message, Juana referred to Alterio as ‘nonno’—the name their daughter Lola used for him. She admitted she would miss him and would always be grateful for his presence in their family’s life. The actress noted that Héctor was not only an outstanding artist to her, but also someone who knew how to support and inspire those close to him.
The connection between Juana and the Alterio family endured even after her separation from Ernesto. Over their years together, from 2003 to 2018, they grew truly close. In her brief but deeply personal message, Juana thanked Héctor for everything he had done for her and Lola, and wished him a peaceful journey.
Remembrance and recognition
Héctor Alterio’s passing coincided with the prestigious Forqué Awards ceremony, where the best achievements in Spanish cinema are honored annually. The organizers could not ignore the loss of the great actor: his portrait appeared on the big screen, and the hosts paid special tribute to him, highlighting his influence across several generations of artists.
During the ceremony, words of support and condolences were offered to Alterio’s family. Héctor’s name was mentioned with special respect, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his craft until the very end. His creative legacy and personal qualities became an example for many, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his colleagues and audiences.
RUSSPAIN.COM reports that Héctor Alterio was one of the most respected actors in the Spanish-speaking world. His career began in Argentina, but it was in Spain that he achieved his greatest recognition, starring in dozens of films and stage productions. Alterio received numerous awards, including the Goya and Forqué prizes, and was held in high esteem by his peers. His family—son Ernesto and daughter Malena—carried on the acting legacy, and Héctor’s name will forever remain part of Spain’s artistic history.
