Spanish actress Adriana Ugarte has led emotional tributes to actor Francesc Garrido following his sudden death from a heart attack at the age of 56.
Garrido, who starred alongside Ugarte in the hit Spanish television series El tiempo entre costuras, passed away unexpectedly, leaving colleagues across the acting community stunned.
News of his death prompted widespread grief among fellow performers. Actor Pepón Nieto expressed shock over the loss, stating that it had been an honor to work alongside Garrido during his career.
Emotional farewell from co-star
Ugarte publicly shared a lengthy and moving tribute to her late friend and colleague, accompanying her message with a photograph of the pair taken in Tangier, Morocco, during the filming of El tiempo entre costuras.
Reflecting on their close bond, Ugarte stated that she did not want to believe Garrido was gone, writing that she could say millions of things about him and still fall short of describing his true character.
She remembered him as the only person who referred to her simply by her surname, Ugarte. She recalled how his voice always brought her back down to earth and how his reassuring gaze communicated that she was safe whenever he was near.
The two actors first met on the set of El tiempo entre costuras, the television adaptation of the bestselling novel by Spanish author María Dueñas. In the period drama, Ugarte played the central character Sira Quiroga, while Garrido portrayed Police Commissioner Claudio Vázquez.
A lasting friendship beyond the screen
Ugarte praised Garrido for his powerful personality and warmth, explaining that he possessed a rare gift for turning a chaotic, difficult, or heartless day into the best day of a person's life and a unique opportunity to create something unforgettable.
She described him as an extraordinarily attentive listener who paid attention with his entire body. She added that he celebrated the life of everything and embraced every being unconditionally, making those around him feel valuable, noble, and vital.
Recalling a conversation they shared a few months ago in Tangier, the city where they first met three years earlier, Ugarte said she spoke to Garrido about her family, their animals, and her personal fears.
She remembered how he listened in silence, looked up toward the sky as if seeking an answer, and then smiled quietly. She explained that his presence brought her a profound sense of calm, feeling that if he was present, the entire world could be at peace.
Concluding her farewell, Ugarte expressed deep gratitude for everything he had given her, stating how much she missed him and addressing him as a master while expressing her love.
Garrido was a prominent figure in Spanish film and television, known for his work in acclaimed feature films including Alejandro Amenábar's Oscar-winning drama Mar adentro and Icíar Bollaín's award-winning film Te doy mis ojos.
