Tributes paid as Spanish Goya winning actress Verónica Echegui dies aged 42

Actress Verónica Echegui has died in Madrid at the age of 42, according to the Spanish Actors and Actresses Union (Unión de Actores y Actrices) on its social network.

According to the Spanish news agency EFE, she was hospitalised since the end of July for cancer treatment.

Echegui, a four-time Goya nominee, rose to fame in 2006 with her portrayal of Juani in 'My Name is Juani' (Yo soy la Juani), directed by Bigas Luna.

With 50 titles as an actress in her career, she won her first Goya for her directorial debut with the short fiction film 'Tótem Loba' (2021).

Throughout her career she participated in film, television and theatre productions, establishing herself as one of the most versatile performers of her generation.

Her latest appearance was in a series on Apple TV+ called 'Love You to Death' (A muerte)

Echegui also achieved success abroad. In 2011 she was cast in Mabrouk El Mechri's thriller 'The Cold Light of Day' (La fría luz del día), alongside Hollywood heavyweights Henry Cavill, Sigourney Weaver and Bruce Willis. She also appeared Analeine Cal y Mayor's romantic comedy 'Book of Love' alongside Sam Claflin.

Tributes to the Echegui have been made from far and beyond Spain's arts industry for an actress who left an indelible mark on the country's culture.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez took to social media to express his condolences on X: "I am shocked to hear the news of the death of Verónica Echegui, an actress with enormous talent and humility who is leaving us far too young. My sincere condolences to all the family and friends in these difficult times."

Sentiments shared by organisers of the Malaga film festival which tweeted: "It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Verónica Echegui, an essential actress of Spanish cinema who was deeply connected to the Malaga Film Festival throughout her career. Her talent and closeness will always remain in our memories."

Echegui will now posthumously be seen in the Spanish Netflix police series 'City of Shadows' which adapts the popular first novel by Aro Sániz de la Maza from the 'Milo Malart' saga. No release date has yet been set.