Podcast Summary: "La entrevista de Elena Irureta en 'Cuerpos especiales'"
Podcast: Cuerpos Especiales (Europa FM)
Hosts: Eva Soriano, Nacho García, Lalachús
Guest: Elena Irureta
Date: December 16, 2025
Episode Focus: Elena Irureta discusses her role in the upcoming family comedy “Abuela Tremenda”, her career journey, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the acting profession.
Episode Overview
This episode of Cuerpos Especiales features acclaimed Spanish actress Elena Irureta, known for her roles in both drama and comedy. The conversation centers around her starring role in the forthcoming film “Abuela Tremenda,” her love of both family and acting, and the quirks of her off-screen life.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Elena Irureta and “Abuela Tremenda” (00:00–05:21)
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Introduction to the Film:
- The comedy “Abuela Tremenda” releases on January 1st, with Irureta as Toñi, a rebellious grandmother who disrupts her family’s routine.
- “Así es una abuela muy, muy cañera. Bueno, ella ha tomado parte en un grupo de rock en su juventud, sigue siendo rockera y cañera a su edad.” (Elena Irureta, 00:35)
- The story depicts three generations: the grandmother (Toñi), her daughter (played by Toni Acosta), and the granddaughter.
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Toñi’s Relationship with Her Family:
- Toñi tries (in her own unconventional way) to bring her family together and prioritize time with her granddaughter, sometimes leading to chaotic situations.
- Spoilers include Toñi kidnapping her granddaughter and her friends during a corporate team-building event to spend more time with them.
2. Family, "Abuela" Stereotypes, and Personal Life (03:08–05:51)
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On Responsibility and Personality:
- Irureta admits she has always been a bit unconventional, describing herself as “voy a mi rollo” (03:29).
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Abuela Traditions:
- She’s not a grandmother in real life but has a large, close-knit family.
- “No soy abuela, no. Pero soy vieja, pero no soy abuela.” (Elena Irureta, 03:59)
- She is an aunt to nine nieces/nephews and seven grandnieces/nephews, occasionally the “bad influence” but confesses: “Tía Elena igual tiene peor leche que sus padres.” (04:43)
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On Her Rural Home:
- Elena enjoys her “caserío” (country house), which she shares with family members and a few animals, emphasizing a lively household.
3. Transition from Drama to Comedy (06:21–07:13)
- Career Versatility:
- Irureta is known for dramatic roles (e.g., “Patria,” “Sorda”) but enjoys switching genres: “Hombre, sí que viene bien, pero viene bien lo que caiga... yo encantada, ya sea comedia, drama, lo que sea, está bien.” (06:35)
- She is grateful for all kinds of roles and opportunities, emphasizing humility about her career: “No me llegan a mí cinco guiones a la vez para elegir... todo es bienvenido.” (06:59)
4. Typecasting and Aspirations (07:47–08:57)
- Villainous Roles:
- She hasn’t often played a “mala malísima” or in horror films but expresses enthusiasm to do so.
- “A mí me gustaría ser mala villana de Disney.” (08:46)
5. Recognition & Humility (08:57–10:27)
- Awards and Honor:
- Reflects on recent prizes, such as the Faro de Plata and honors in Cartagena.
- “Para mí es como un abrazo que me dan.” (Elena Irureta, 09:16)
- She prefers to let her agent keep her trophies in the office, showing her down-to-earth attitude.
6. Career Reflections & Theatre Beginnings (10:27–13:17)
- Length and Depth of Career:
- Irureta has been acting since age 26 and values the varied, hands-on work from her theatre beginnings.
- “Estás al placer. Sí, pero sí, sí, anécdotas tengo muchas, tengo muchas muy divertidas. Bueno, hemos hecho de todo.” (11:01)
- She recounts writing, directing, and physically managing their theatre projects, adapting to fill gaps in the local theatre scene.
7. Enduring Collaborations and the Basque Acting Scene (13:17–15:18)
- Strong Professional Bonds:
- Longstanding collaborations with Anne Gabarain and José Ramón Soroiz, sometimes playing "married" on screen more than some people have in real life.
- Highlights the challenge for many Basque actors who, without representation, struggle to get national visibility.
8. Industry Observations & Final Words (15:18–15:53)
- On Visibility and Talent:
- “Parece que si no estás en el prime time de la cadena más vista, parece que no estás haciendo nada.” (Interviewer 2, 15:18)
- The show closes with gratitude from the hosts and a call to see "Abuela Tremenda" in cinemas: “Al cine hay que ir al cine.” (Elena Irureta, 15:49)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Being a Nonconformist Grandmother:
“Así es una abuela muy, muy cañera. ... sigue siendo rockera y cañera a su edad.”
— Elena Irureta, (00:35) -
On Family Influence:
“Tía Elena igual tiene peor leche que sus padres.”
— Elena Irureta, (04:43) -
On Professional Humility:
“No me llegan a mí cinco guiones a la vez para elegir... todo es bienvenido.”
— Elena Irureta, (06:59) -
On Awards:
“Para mí es como un abrazo que me dan.”
— Elena Irureta, (09:16) -
Wish for a Villain Role:
“A mí me gustaría ser mala villana de Disney.”
— Elena Irureta, (08:46) -
On Theatre Origins:
“Lo de menos era la hora de la función, el resto era otras 16 horas.”
— Elena Irureta, (12:42) -
Endearing Goodbye:
“Al cine hay que ir al cine.”
— Elena Irureta, (15:49)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:15—03:03: Elena describes her character and family dynamics in “Abuela Tremenda”
- 03:08—05:51: Elena’s real-life family, “cosa de abuela” traditions, and living in the caserío
- 06:21—07:13: Transition from dramatic roles to comedy; career openness
- 07:47—08:57: Desires to play villains, Disney inspiration
- 09:16—10:27: Reflections on recognition and awards
- 10:27—13:17: Early theatre career, creative self-production, and anecdotes
- 13:17—15:18: Longtime co-stars and the working actor’s reality outside the spotlight
- 15:37—End: Parting words and encouragement to support cinema
Tone & Atmosphere
The tone is relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter, with Irureta’s wry humor and humility shining through. The hosts engage warmly, blending admiration with lighthearted banter—perfectly blending the family-friendly vibe with professional insight.
For more: Watch “Abuela Tremenda” in cinemas from January 1st and listen in to Cuerpos Especiales for more engaging interviews.