RIP Elisa Montés

Elisa Montés, actress of 'Verano Azul' and mother of Emma Ozores, dies at the age of 89

Sad goodbye to Elisa Montés, sister of Emma Penella and Terelé Pávez, mother of Emma Ozores and legendary Spanish actress

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By Sergio Soriano

10/9/2024

 

The world of acting says goodbye to Elisa Montés, legendary actress of Spanish film and television, who has died at the age of 89. With an extensive career behind her, Montés was known, among other works, for her unforgettable role in the series Verano Azul, where she gave life to Carmen, the mother of Tito and Bea. She is also the mother of Emma Ozores and sister of Emma Penella.

From Granada to the big screen: a life dedicated to cinema

Elisa Montés, born in 1934 in Granada, was part of a key family in the art world. Daughter of Magdalena Penella and sister of the famous actresses Emma Penella and Terele Pávez, Montés always showed a great affinity for cinema, debuting on the big screen in the 50s. Throughout her career, she worked in notable films such as Ana Says Yes, Life on a Pad and The Return of the Magnificent Seven.

With the passage of time she became a leading figure in the Spanish art scene, also participating in theater and television. During the 60s and 70s, she collaborated with great directors and filmmakers, earning the respect of the industry.

Success on television with Verano Azul

Although her film career was outstanding, for many generations Elisa Montés will always be remembered as Carmen, the mother of Tito and Bea in the series Verano Azul, one of the most iconic fictions of Spanish Television (TVE). Broadcast in the 80s and directed by Antonio Mercero, this production is still a classic that returns to the television grid every summer.

In the series, Montés played one of the mothers of the group of young vacationers that marked an entire generation. Her role in this series consolidated her image in the collective imagination of viewers.

A unique artistic and family legacy

Montés not only shone for her own performances but was part of a family saga with deep artistic roots. Daughter of the composer Manuel Penella and sister of renowned actresses, her family was always linked to art and music. However, it was her marriage to fellow actor Antonio Ozores that further accentuated her connection to the world of cinema. Together they worked in several films and had a daughter, Emma Ozores, who followed in her parents' footsteps in acting and also participated in Big Brother VIP.

A discreet return to the spotlight

Despite having largely retired from public life, Montés made a special appearance in 2017, when she was awarded the Prize of the Association of Audiovisual Festivals of Andalusia (ASFAAN) at the Almería Western Film Festival. On that occasion, he was recognized for her career and contribution to cinema. In addition, that same year she made a brief television appearance during her daughter Emma's participation in GH VIP.

MONTES, Elisa (Elisa Ruiz Penella)

Born: 12/15/1934, Granada, Granada, Andalucía, Spain

Died: 10/9/2024, Madrid, Madrid, Spain

 

Elisa Montes’ westerns – actress:

The Outlaw of Red River – 1965 (Francisca Riaño)

The Avenger – 1966 (mulatta girl)

Mutiny at Fort Sharp - 1966 (Brenda)

Return of the Seven – 1966 (Petra)

Seven Dollars to Kill – 1966 (Sybil)

Taste of Vengeance - 1968 (Julie Blake)

Captain Apache – 1970 (Rosita)