Greenpeace Photocall in Madrid© GettyImages

Mother of Javier Bardem, actress Pilar Bardem, dies at 82

The actor shared an image with his siblings surrounded by their mother’s memorabilia


Senior Writer
JULY 19, 2021 1:54 PM EDT

Renowned Spanish actress Pilar Bardem has died at 82. The mother of Carlos, Mónica, and Javier Bardem passed away on July 18, 2021, at the Ruber Hospital in Madrid due to complications from lung disease.

Carlos took social media to inform the sad news. “We want to share the news that Pilar Bardem, our mother, our example, has died,” Carlos tweeted in Spanish. “She departed in peace and without suffering, surrounded by the love of her family. We know the love and admiration many felt for her, both in Spain and beyond, for her work as an actress and as a fighter who always stood in solidarity. We appreciate with all our heart the love toward our mother. Thank you from her children, Carlos, Mónica, and Javier.”

© GettyImages

Javier Bardem, Carlos Bardem, Pilar Bardem and Monica Bardem at ‘Bardencilla’ restaurant on August 22, 1998 in Madrid, Spain.

Javier Bardem shared an image with his siblings surrounded by their mother’s memorabilia. “We bid farewell to my mom with a heart full of love. With tenderness and a smile,” he wrote. “And with our soul overflowing with gratitude for the thousands and thousands of messages of affection, respect, and admiration for Pilar Bardem. Thank you for this wave of love.”

Penelope Cruz, the wife of Javier Bardem, also shared a tribute to her mother-in-law, which she had the pleasure of working in Live Flesh, No News from God, and Entre Rojas. “Dear Pilar! I look at this photo and wonder what our reaction would have been if someone had told us at the time that fate had wonderful plans to unite us beyond the cinema,” the actress began. “You were always so good to me! You can‘t dream of a better mother-in-law,” she added.

Cruz continued thanking the late actress for all her love. “Thank you for all the love you have given us, your children, your grandchildren, all your family, and friends. You have given me so much,” she continued. “Thank you for always putting yourself on the side of those who need it the most. For raising your voice in the face of injustice. For leaving your skin fighting to improve the living conditions of the neediest members of our sector, without ever expecting anything in return. We cannot forget that in our career, many things have improved thanks to your great effort over the years, without giving up at any time. You‘re admirable.”

“Thank you for sharing with me all these years your wisdom and your humor! I love you a lot. I will always carry you in my heart. Thanks Pilar,” she concluded.

Actor Antonio Banderas also shared his condolences. “Spanish theater is losing a great actress,” he wrote in Spanish. “My heart is with her family in these difficult times. A big hug for Carlos, Mónica and Javier.”