In 2023, the Star+ platform released a new series called Nada. Starring in the series was Robert De Niro, who was recently targeted by Donald Trump, and an Argentinian actor, Luis Brandoni. Playing the role of a culinary critic going through a personal crisis after the death of his chambermaid, the comedian captivated audiences and became well-known to the public, especially in Europe.
However, in Argentina, Luis Brandoni was already an icon. With over 50 films to his name, the Buenos Aires native was one of the sacred monsters of Argentinian cinema and theater. A legend that came to an end on Sunday, April 19. In a statement, his producer announced, “Luis Brandoni has passed away. With ‘Beto,’ a key figure of an unforgettable generation and a great promoter of national theater, has departed,” as reported by AFP. The comedian had been hospitalized for nearly a week due to a head hematoma after a fall at his home.
A Legend of Argentinian Cinema
In Argentina, “Beto” left his mark on national cinema. Awarded four times with “Martín Fierro” awards, equivalent to the Oscars or the Molières, the actor was an example of longevity as he received his last award in 2017, 47 years after the first one in 1970.
Famous in Europe for his role in Nada alongside Robert De Niro, Luis Brandoni was also praised in 2019 for his performance in the film La odisea de los giles (Heroic Losers), which received excellent reviews in France. Very active, he played the role of former president Arturo Illia in theater and had the lead role in the sitcom El hombre de tu vida, alongside Guillermo Francella.
Actively Involved in Politics
A politically engaged actor, Luis Brandoni also had a long political career. A historical member of the Radical Civic Union (UCR), he always advocated for republican values, democracy, and civil rights. His commitment led him to leave the country in the late 1980s to escape the military dictatorship (1976-1983) after being imprisoned with his wife.
Returning to Argentina after the fall of the dictatorship, he became the cultural advisor to President Raúl Alfonsín (1983-1989) before being elected to the Chamber of Deputies, where he served until 2001. Despite his age, the actor never stopped being active and was still performing in several theater plays in Argentina this year.
