Dead at 42: Tributes Pour In from Antonio
The world of Spanish cinema is in mourning after the tragic death of actress Verónica Echegui, who passed away at just 42 years old following a private battle with cancer. The beloved star of films such as I Am Juani, My Prisoner’s Yard, Family United, and You’re Killing Me Susana, was hospitalised in Madrid before her passing on Sunday. According to El País, only a small circle within Spain’s film industry knew about her illness.
Tributes have since poured in from across Spain and beyond. Hollywood star Antonio Banderas shared on X: “Today, Spanish cinema is in mourning due to the passing of Verónica Echegui. My condolences to her family and friends.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed his grief, writing: “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 embrace in these difficult moments to her family and friends.”
Actor Juan Diego Botto, known for On the Fringe, added: “I’m in shock at the loss of the great actress Verónica Echegui. A huge loss for our cinema. My warmest condolences to her family and friends.”
Known for her striking talent, authenticity, and depth of character, Echegui carved out a respected place in Spanish film and was regarded as one of the industry’s brightest stars of her generation. Her passing is not only a personal tragedy for her family and friends but also a tremendous loss for the world of cinema.
Spanish actress Verónica Echegui has died at 42 after being rushed to a hospital in Madrid, according to local reports. Her sudden death has left fans and the film community in shock and mourning.
Her last on-screen role was in the Apple TV+ romantic comedy “Love You To Death”, filmed in August 2023 and released earlier this year.
In the series, she played Marta, a pregnant childhood friend reconnecting with Raúl (Joan Amargós), who is battling heart cancer.
Cause of Death Revealed
As per a report in the UK Sun, Echegui died after a private battle with cancer, a diagnosis mainly kept hidden from the film industry. Local reports state that only a few people close to her knew of her illness, with her team working to protect her privacy.
While promoting the project, Echegui reflected on its themes. “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 told The Daily Mail. “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?’”
Tributes From Stars & Leaders
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote on social media, “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 such difficult moments for the entire family and friends.”
Hoy el cine español está de luto por el fallecimiento de Verónica Echegui.
Mi pésame a su familia, amigos. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/MGxrS40vNt
— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) August 25, 2025
Antonio Banderas also honored her memory on X, writing, “Today, Spanish cinema is in mourning due to the passing of Verónica Echegui. My condolences to her family and friends.”