Calay News
Laura Valenzuela, an actress and TV presenter, passed away at the age of 92 in a Madrid hospital. She had been hospitalized a few weeks ago, and despite being discharged, she relapsed and was admitted to the ICU at the Hospital de la Princesa in Madrid. Two days before her passing, she had been moved to a regular ward, where her family stayed with her until the end.
Laura Valenzuela started her career at Televisión Española (TVE) in 1956, the same year that TVE began. Before that, she worked as a model. It was José Luis Ozores who recommended her to go to TVE. At TVE, she did everything, from hosting to singing and starring in commercials.
In 1958, she met the love of her life, José Luis Dibildos, a film producer who would later become her husband. He gave her a contract for 13 films, and she starred in popular films such as Las que tienen que servir (1967), Los subdesarrollados (1968), and Soltera y madre en la vida (1969). She also participated in coproductions with artists such as Alain Delon (El tulipán negro, 1964) and Sophia Loren (Madame Sans-Gene, 1961).
She was known for her work as a TV presenter alongside Joaquín Prat, with whom she presented Galas del sábado. They were one of the most beloved TV couples of the time, but they were only good friends. Prat passed away in 1995, which was a tough loss for Valenzuela. She continued her career, presenting the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969 after Massiel’s victory. That year, Spain needed to show a modern and renewed image, and Laura Valenzuela was the perfect fit for the job.
In 1971, Laura Valenzuela got married to José Luis Dibildos after 13 years of courtship. He made her quit her job, and she dedicated herself to her husband and daughter Lara, born that same year. It took almost twenty years for her to return to television, this time with José Luis as her manager. She returned first to Telecinco in 1990 and then to TVE with Mañana será otro día, where she was the host until the end of the show in 1993.
Laura Valenzuela was a pioneer in Spanish television and a beloved actress and presenter. She will be missed by many.
