Argentine actor Héctor Alterio dies at 96 in Madrid

Published on January 05, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Portrait of Argentine actor Héctor Alterio, with a serene expression and deep gaze, characteristic of his on-screen presence.

Argentine Actor Héctor Alterio Passes Away at 96 in Madrid

The family of the performer Héctor Alterio announced his death in the Spanish capital. The actor, with a career spanning more than a century of Spanish-language cinema, had resided in Spain since the 1970s, after having to leave Argentina during the last military dictatorship. His legacy endures in more than a hundred films. 🎭

A Filmography That Defines an Era

Alterio's work includes films that became essential classics. He starred in key films such as The Official Story and The Secret in Their Eyes. In Spain, he collaborated with filmmakers of the caliber of Pedro Almodóvar in All About My Mother and Fernando Trueba. He received the Honorary Goya in 2002 and the National Cinematography Award from Argentina in 2011. His last project was the series The Body on Fire in 2022.

Iconic Films from His Career:
  • The Official Story (1985) - A political drama that marked a milestone.
  • The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) - Thriller that won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
  • Butterfly Tongue (1999) - A moving story about loyalty and education.
The actor who always seemed to know a secret, and in the end took it with him.

A Legacy That Crosses the Atlantic

Alterio was a fundamental part of the group that renewed Argentine theater and cinema in the sixties. He founded the Teatro Payró and actively participated in the New Cinema movement. His exile propelled him to act in international productions, establishing himself as a reference performer. His deep voice and serene demeanor were etched in the memory of generations of viewers.

Key Contributions to the Performing Arts:
  • Co-founder of the Teatro Payró, a vital space for Argentine dramaturgy.
  • Pioneer in the New Cinema movement in Argentina in the 60s.
  • Bridging figure between the film industries of Argentina and Spain.

Farewell to a Master of Acting

Héctor Alterio's departure closes an essential chapter in Spanish-language cinema. His ability to convey depth with few gestures and his commitment to the craft made him a pillar for directors and colleagues. He leaves a void on screen, but an invaluable archive of performances that will continue to inspire. His work demonstrated that true acting transcends borders and eras. 👏