Spanish actress Veronica Echegui passes away at 42 after secret battle with Cancer; Antonio Banderas, Sam Claflin mourn her demise

Spanish actress Veronica Echegui has died at the age of 42 following a private battle with cancer, various news reports confirmed. The award-winning performer passed away on Sunday, August 24, at Madrid’s 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Variety reported. There have, however, been no confirmation about the type of cancer she was diagnosed with and the length of her private battle. Following news of her passing, tributes poured in from across the film industry. Spanish star Antonio Banderas shared his condolences on Instagram, writing, “Today Spanish cinema is mourning the death of Verónica Echegui. My condolences.”Her 'Book of Love' co-star Sam Claflin also paid emotional tribute, writing, “I’m heartbroken hearing the news about the magical @veronicaechegui. F--k you cancer.”Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also honoured her legacy, posting on X, “I was deeply shocked by the news of Verónica Echegui’s passing, an actress with enormous talent and humility who leaves us far too young.”Echegui, widely regarded as one of Spain’s most talented actresses, earned international recognition for her roles in 'Love You to Death', and the OTT dramas 'Intimacy', and 'Fortitude'. In 2022, she won a Goya Award for her directorial debut, 'Totem Loba', which secured the prize for Best Fiction Short Film.Her career began in 2006 when filmmaker Bigas Luna cast her in My Name is Juani. The film earned Echegui her first Spanish Academy nomination, setting the stage for a string of acclaimed performances. Over the years, she received further nominations for My Prison Yard (2009), Katmandu (2012), and My Heart Goes Boom (2022).