Spanish actress Paula Echevarría has spoken about her grieving process two months after the death of her father, Luis Ángel Echevarría, saying she is trying to rebuild herself but cannot stand making people feel pity for her.
The television star, who lost her father on July 30, discussed her current situation during an interview with Spanish designer Vicky Martín Berrocal on the podcast A solas con. Echevarría explained that she is still coming to terms with a new reality without one of the most important men in her life.
During the conversation, the actress said she is doing well and is dedicating much of her time to surrounding herself with things that benefit her. However, she admitted that she is living through a highly complicated moment and that finding the right words to describe it remains difficult.
Echevarría is a prominent figure in Spanish entertainment, having built a long career in television and film, as well as maintaining a significant presence in fashion and social media. Her father, Luis Ángel, was a constant presence in her life, and she frequently shared her affection for her parents with her followers.
She noted that her parents are the reason she became the woman she is today, instilling her with confidence and a firm sense of self esteem.
Despite her public profile, Echevarría stated that she is reluctant to share her deepest feelings with the public. She explained that she prefers to keep her saddest emotions private because she dislikes eliciting pity from others.
Support network and family
To navigate this period, the actress is relying on a strong support network of family and close friends. She highlighted the vital role played by her partner, former footballer Miguel Torres, and her daughter Daniella. Echevarría said that Torres and Daniella fill her days with shared plans and abundant love.
Daniella is Echevarría's daughter from her previous marriage to David Bustamante, a Spanish pop singer who rose to fame on the reality television talent show Operación Triunfo. Following their separation, Echevarría began a relationship with Torres, who had a long career as a defender in Spain's La Liga, playing for clubs including Real Madrid, Getafe and Málaga.
Beyond her immediate family, Echevarría emphasized the crucial importance of her closest female friends. She described her friends as her greatest treasure, explaining that they have been capable of holding her up during the hardest moments of her life.
Some of these friendships date back to her childhood in the northern Spanish region of Asturias, where she was born and raised, while she met others as her acting career progressed. She credited this group of women with keeping her afloat recently.
Professional projects and outlook
Alongside her personal recovery, Echevarría is currently focusing on a new professional project, the television series A la deriva. Reflecting on her career, she remarked that while she sometimes felt she needed a different life, the acting profession always draws her back when she least expects it.
Echevarría first gained widespread recognition for her role in the television series Gran Reserva, a family drama centered around the Spanish wine industry. She later cemented her status as one of Spain's most recognizable actresses with her lead role as Ana Ribera in Velvet, a hit period drama that ran for four seasons and achieved international success.
Her recent interview took place on A solas con, a popular Spanish podcast known for its intimate format. The program features prominent figures from Spanish society discussing their personal lives, careers and emotional challenges.
She also touched upon her daily routines during the interview, noting that after reaching the age of 40, lifting weights becomes necessary to maintain muscle mass. The 49 year old actress frequently shares her fitness and lifestyle habits, which have made her a reference point for many fans in Spain.
When reflecting on her personal growth, Echevarría said the achievement she is most proud of is remaining the same person she has always been and not changing her core character.
She concluded with a clear declaration of her outlook on life, stating that people are brought into this world to be happy. Recognizing that there is only one life to live, she affirmed that she always knows how to look at the glass as half full.
