Sara Montiel was a Spanish actress who is best known for her roles in “El Último Cuplé,” “La Violetera,” and her starring role in “Vera Cruz.” She is remembered for her significant contributions to film and music, becoming a cultural icon in Spain and beyond.
Personal and Family Life
Sara Montiel was born María Antonia Abad Fernández on March 10, 1928, in Campo de Criptana, Spain. She came from humble beginnings, with a peasant father and a beautician mother. Throughout her life, she had multiple marriages, including to American director Anthony Mann, and adopted two children with her third husband, Pepe Tous.
Career Highlights
Montiel began her acting career at a young age after winning a beauty contest. She quickly rose to fame in Spain, and by the 1950s, she was a leading figure in both Spanish and international cinema. Some of her most successful films of the 1960s include “Mi Último Tango” and “Pecado de Amor.” She later transitioned to television and stage performances, captivating audiences with her singing and charisma.
Death and Legacy
Sara Montiel passed away on April 8, 2013, in Madrid due to congestive heart failure. Her contributions to film and music left a lasting impact, and she was celebrated with various honors, including a stamp issued in her name by Correos de España in 2014. Thousands attended her funeral to pay their respects, reflecting her status as a beloved icon.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| La mala educación | 2004-03-19 | Soledad (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Vera Cruz | 1954-12-25 | Nina |
| Run of the Arrow | 1957-09-05 | Yellow Moccasin |
| Serenade | 1956-03-23 | Juana Montes |
| Tuset Street | 1968-09-16 | Violeta Riscal |
| Noches de Casablanca | 1963-10-10 | Teresa Vilar |
| Don Quijote de la Mancha | 1947-03-01 | Antonia |
| La bella Lola | 1962-09-06 | Lola |
| La mujer perdida | 1966-10-21 | Sara Fernán |
| Pecado de amor | 1961-12-14 | Magda Beltrán / Sor Belén |