James Bond star, Emilio Echevarría has died aged 80.
The actor, who starred alongside Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day, passed away on January 4 and the sad news was announced by The Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences. A statement from the Academy read: "The AMACC regrets to announce the sad death of actor Emilio Echevarría, who forged an enormous career in film and theatre. He received three Ariel nominations for his participation as a supporting actor."
Emilio began his acting career in theatre, before moving into film in the 1980s. He starred as El Chivo in the Oscar nominated drama Amores Perros, whilst he also had roles in Y Tu Mama Tambien, Babel and Die Another Day. He also portrayed Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna in the 2004 production of The Alamo. He started his working career in accounting, having studied the subject at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Speaking in 2008, he recalled of how he got into acting: "One day, when I was 31, I received a phone call from a woman friend inviting me to be in a play. She knew I wasn’t an actor. I told her I worked all day at my office. She told me rehearsals and shows were at night. I asked no further and I took up the invitation. At the first rehearsal, I knew that that was the most pleasurable calling and work I could do."
Tributes have flooded in for Emilio, with screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga leading the messages for Emilio, reports the Mirror. He said: "Sad news for those of us who loved and admired him. Emilio Echevarría has died. A tremendous actor and an even better human being. A dear friend. I had the privilege of collaborating with him on several productions. A great man."
Emilio is survived by daughter and actress Lourdes Echevarría.
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