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Victoria AbrilActress
Date of Birth: 14.07.1959
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Biography of Victoria Abril
- Early Success
- Collaboration with Vincente Aranda
- Success with Vincente Aranda
- International Recognition
- Continued Success and New Ventures
Biography of Victoria Abril
Early Life and CareerVictoria Abril, born on July 14, 1959, in Madrid, Spain, is a beloved actress, dancer, singer, model, and sex symbol. She gained fame at the age of 15 when she became the host of a popular Spanish television show. At 16, she began her active career in the film industry. Her breakthrough came when she starred alongside Antonio Banderas in Pedro Almodóvar's controversial film "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" which brought her international success. During the 90s, Abril became the most famous Spanish actress.
Early Success
Victoria Abril, whose real name is Victoria Mérida Rojas, started studying dance at the Madrid Conservatory as a child. Her graceful movements, reminiscent of a flamenco rhythm, earned her recognition from American critics. At the age of 15, Abril joined the television show "One, Two, Three" and her role in "Kika" (1993), also directed by Almodóvar, was based on her personal experience as a sinister host of a crime program. Her television and film careers were supported by her dance teacher, and she quickly became popular among the Spanish audience. In 1975, she made her film debut in "Enchantment," establishing herself as the sexiest actress in Europe.
Collaboration with Vincente Aranda
In 1976, Abril had the opportunity to work with acclaimed director Richard Lester, sharing the screen with Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn in the adventure film "Robin and Marian." She played a small but regal role as Queen Isabella. She also worked with Spanish classic Juan Antonio Bardem and appeared in a comedic version of Robin Hood in her home country. However, it was her collaboration with master of provocative and sensual dramas, Vincente Aranda, that changed her destiny. In 1977, Abril portrayed two roles in Aranda's controversial film "Changing Sex," showcasing her youthful angularity and modest charm. The roles of José María and María José brought her widespread acclaim.
Success with Vincente Aranda
Abril continued to work with Aranda throughout the years, appearing in ten films together, including "Lute" (winner of the San Sebastián International Film Festival in 1987) and the sensual "Lovers" (1991), which earned Abril a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. In the 80s, Abril ventured into France where she starred in Jean-Jacques Beneix's unconventional thriller "Moon in the Gutter" (1983). While the film's psychopathic themes not only repelled audiences but also Gerard Depardieu, Abril's co-star, it featured a memorable scene of her seductively swinging on a swing. Her fantastic body emitted desire, overshadowing the cold beauty of her co-star, Nastassja Kinski.
International Recognition
Abril was loved and admired by various Spanish filmmakers, working with Pedro Almodóvar (she played the kidnapped victim of an infatuated sadist portrayed by Antonio Banderas in "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" in 1990) and Jaime de Armiñán (in the haunting mystical drama "Hour of the Star" in 1985). She also appeared in Nagisa Oshima's zoophilic film "Max, My Love" (1986) and Barry Levinson's underrated Los Angeles tragicomedy "Jimmy Hollywood" (1994). Her participation in Agustín Díaz Yanes' nerve-wracking thriller "Nobody Will Speak of Us When We're Dead" (1995) earned her the Goya Award and the San Sebastián International Film Festival prize. Her portrayal of a humiliated and offended prostitute in the film was risky but rewarding.
Continued Success and New Ventures
In 1999, Abril received critical acclaim for her role in Manuel Gómez Pereira's thriller "Between Your Legs," where she and Spanish cinema's leading heartthrob, Javier Bardem, play characters who meet in a psychotherapy group for sexual obsession. The film became a sensation at the Berlin and Moscow film festivals. In 2000, Abril ventured into producing and appeared in the film "Reykjavik 101." She continued to explore her talents in various roles, showcasing her versatility and talent as an actress.
