Victoria Mérida Rojas, recognized professionally as Victoria Abril, emerged as a prominent figure in the Spanish entertainment industry through her debut on the television program Un, dos, tres... responda otra vez in 1976. Since establishing herself in France in 1982, she has maintained a multifaceted career as an actor, singer, and television presenter, navigating diverse film landscapes across Europe.
Television and Early Career
Born in 1959, Abril began her professional trajectory in the mid-1970s. Her initial two-year engagement with the television show Un, dos, tres... responda otra vez provided her early national recognition in Spain. Following this period, she sought to represent her home country at the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest with the track Bang-Bang-Bang, though the selection committee ultimately chose Betty Missiego for the position.
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Throughout her career, Abril has demonstrated significant versatility in film production, working extensively within Spain, France, Italy, and Iceland. Her international profile grew through roles in films such as Pedro Almodóvar's Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!. Critics and festival bodies have frequently acknowledged her work; she earned the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the 41st Berlin International Film Festival for her performance in Amantes. Additional distinctions include the 1996 Goya Award for Best Actress and the 2002 European Film Academy Achievement in World Cinema Award. Her dedication to the arts was further recognized in 2004 with the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts.
Musical Pursuits and Education
Beyond her acting commitments, Abril has cultivated a musical career as a singer and jazz musician. In 2005, she transitioned into studio recording with the release of PutchEros do Brasil, an album focused on bossa nova and jazz compositions. Her educational background includes training at the École Jeannine Manuel, and she possesses linguistic proficiency in French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Madrid, Spain
- Primary Occupations: Actor, Singer
- Goya Award for Best Actress: 1996
- Silver Bear for Best Actress: 1991
- Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts: 2004
- Education: École Jeannine Manuel
- Known Languages: Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese
- Member: European Film Academy
Questions readers ask
What is Victoria Abril's birth name?
Her birth name is Victoria Mérida Rojas.
Where has Victoria Abril resided since 1982?
She has resided in France since 1982.
Achievements
- Silver Bear for Best Actress — 1991
- Worked as television actor, singer and jazz musician
