Actor Juan Diego dies at 79

Actor Juan Diego Ruiz Moreno, popularly known as Juan Diego, died this Thursday at the age of 79, family sources have confirmed to EL PAÍS.

The interpreter, protagonist of emblematic titles of Spanish cinema such as

or

as well as with a long career in the theater, has dragged various ailments in recent years .

A few days ago he was hospitalized at the Zarzuela Clinic in Madrid, where he died this morning.

Born in the Sevillian town of Bormujos de Aljarafe in 1942, he had two sons, Adán and Diego.

Juan Diego began his career in the theater, where he made his debut in 1957. In his early years he participated in various Spanish television programs and numerous dramatic productions by

which made him popular.

At that time he was actively involved in trade union and anti-Franco movements.

In 1984 he was chosen by director Mario Camus to star in the film version of

which marked the great leap in his film career.

His next outstanding works on the big screen would be

by Fernando Fernán Gómez;

(1986), in which he played Franco;

(1989) or

(1991), which earned him the Goya for best supporting actor.

In total, he won three: another as a cast for

and another as the protagonist of

(2006), by Víctor García León.

In parallel, he continued his career in the theater.

In 1980 she participated in the premiere of

by Antonio Gala.

In 1981 she starred in the theatrical version of the novel

by Manuel Puig, directed by José Luis García Sánchez.

In 1999, she interpreted

by José Sanchis Sinisterra, together with Clara Sanchis, daughter of the author and mother of his son Diego.

In 2012 she brought to the stage the monologue

by Juan José Millás.

Her last work in the theater was the premiere in Huesca in 2019 of the adaptation of

by Gabriel García Márquez, directed by Carlos Saura.

He only participated in the first functions of that production, since his health problems prevented him from continuing with the tour and he was replaced by Imanol Arias.

The news of his death has caused numerous reactions in the media and social networks.

The actor Juan Echanove, deeply moved by SER, has defined him as “the best”.

“It was dignity, profession, responsibility, solidarity.

That is what he has meant for the culture of this country.”

Aisge, the entity that manages the intellectual property rights of artists in Spain, has published a tweet in which it states: “How sad to say goodbye to you, dearest Juan Diego.

Partner, teacher, comrade, friend.

An example of humble nobility, a highly cultured man who knew how to do himself when the circumstances were less favorable.

He flies high, he flies free.

All our love."

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has shown “all the love for Juan Diego's family and the world of culture, which today loses a great reference in the field of cinema and theater.

An immense actor, who has given us brilliant performances in works that are part of our cinematographic history”.

For his part, the Minister of Culture, Miquel Iceta, today highlighted his political character.

"He showed that at any time he had that commitment and that expression of values ​​that, regardless of whether you share them, show the authenticity of people."

Minister Ione Belarra has also stated that she is "shocked by the sad news".

"A fantastic actor and a committed and good person who we will always remember with great affection."

The president of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, has recalled some words of the deceased actor as a tribute: "Culture, knowledge and words are fundamental in the development of a country, they must be approached and used like a weapon."

For his part, the filmmaker Fernando Colomo, has regretted not having been able to create a role for him.

“I was left wanting because I said, let's see when I find a role for Juan Diego, and I missed it.

He has been an extraordinary actor in every way and much loved.”

His hometown, Bormujos de Aljarafe, has decreed three days of mourning.