There is no one who has not recognized Concha Velasco at some point in their life. The eternal "ye-yé girl" became, thanks to her charisma, talent and beauty, one of the most awarded and beloved actresses in our country. The veteran performer died this Saturday, December 2, at the Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Majadahonda, at the age of 84, after two years removed from her beloved stages. The news was confirmed by her children, Manuel and Paco, through a statement sent to the media.
"We regret to inform that our mother, Concha Velasco, died today, Saturday the 2nd at 02:00 at the Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Majadahonda, having received the Holy Sacraments, as a result of a complication in her illness," the statement reported. On the other hand, the actress's family wanted to thank all the staff at the residence and the hospital where Concha has been admitted. "We have nothing but words of gratitude for the hospital staff, and the Santa Matilde and Orpea Punta Galea residences who have taken such good care of her in these difficult times," they thanked.
On the other hand, his children wanted to highlight how grateful they feel to have been able to grow up with Velasco. "We are lucky to have enjoyed the best mother in the world and to receive the affection of so many Spaniards who love and admire her. Thank you all," she expressed. "We ask for a prayer for the eternal rest of his soul. Our family will also thank you. His children, Manuel and Paco," the statement ends by saying.
It was the actress herself who announced that she was abandoning acting, taking to the stage, in an exciting farewell to the career she had been pursuing since she was 15 years old. She didn't do it just any way, but with a work by her son, Manuel Velasco, María's Room. In her last performance, at the Bretón de los Herreros theater in Logroño, she said goodbye to her passion.
A career that began with The Moorish Queen, when the actress was only 15 years old. She would achieve fame with The Girls of the Red Cross, (1958) which would place her among leading names such as Tony Leblanc, Arturo Fernández, Alfredo Landa, José Sacristán or Manolo Escobar.
Then Conchita Velasco would become the favorite of Spanish cinema, with titles such as Los Tramposos (1959), My Wedding Night (1961), Martes y Trece (1962), Almost Public Relations (1969), La Colmena (1982) or his now legendary Mom, I want to be an artist! (1989).
After that success, much more came; in total, more than 80 feature films, plays and television series; programs and contests - Surprise, Surprise or Velvet, just to name a few - that have made him an icon on the national cultural scene. A career for which, in 2013, he received the Goya Honor Award.
The queen of comedy at the national level, but also a favorite of the press of the time for her beauty, since she was considered one of the most beautiful actresses in Spain. Even so, the interpreter did not hesitate to value her long career with a phrase: "You pay for success."
In 1976 she married the theater producer Paco Marsó, a marriage that produced her son, Francisco. A relationship full of ups and downs and various rumors of infidelity, which would end in divorce more than three decades later. Despite everything, the actress always considered him the man of her life, and when she died in 2010, she was present to say her final goodbye.
"I have loved much more than they have loved me. I have given love in abundance and I do not regret it," he said.
Before her marriage, the actress had another son, Manuel, the result of her relationship with the film operator Fernando Arribas. A fact that was unknown until 2021, which marked a before and after at the time, as a single mother.
A star that shone with its own light goes out. Two years have passed since her eldest son explained that he transferred her mother to a residence so that she could receive the best care after being diagnosed with a delicate illness. Shortly before her death, the worst fears were confirmed: her health had worsened, reaching the point that her children asked their friends not to come to see the artist.
A woman who commands the infinite affection of her audience, who will always remember her with her eternal smile.
