Podcast Summary: Hoy por Hoy — Amigos Alegres | Amparo Larrañaga

Host: Àngels Barceló, Luis Alegre (SER Podcast)
Guest: Amparo Larrañaga
Date: October 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "Hoy por Hoy" welcomes renowned Spanish actress Amparo Larrañaga as the latest inductee into the “Amigos Alegres” club, reflecting on her extensive family legacy in Spanish theater and film, her personal journey as an actress, and intimate, heartfelt stories of family, loss, and resilience. With Luis Alegre leading the interview, listeners enjoy a lively, touching, and humorous conversation about talent, generational influence, and facing both public and private challenges with laughter and dignity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Family Legacy and Upbringing

• Amparo hails from an iconic artistic dynasty with deep roots in Spanish theater and film, which greatly influenced her career path.
• Quote:

  “Antes era mala que hacía de una muerta... no sabía qué hacer con las manos y me pusieron un paraguas.”
  (Amparo Larrañaga, 05:53)

• Her grandfather, Ismael Merlo, was pivotal in persuading her to pursue acting, even when her own dreams initially tilted toward medicine.

2. Early Career Struggles and Growth

• Amparo recounts starting on stage reluctantly and humorously details her early shortcomings as an actress, such as fidgeting on stage even when playing dead.
• Quote:

  “Yo al principio era tan mala que haciendo de muerta me dieron un paraguas porque no paraba quieta con las manos.”
  (Amparo Larrañaga, 05:53)

• She reflects on her family’s support and sometimes comical mishaps in the business, like her only memorable hangover thanks to a Bailey’s trick.

3. The Weight and Joy of Family Traditions

• The interview discusses the influence of her grandfather and aunt, acclaimed actress Amparo Rivelles, and how their talent and experiences shaped her perspective and methodology as an actress.
• Stories of exile, resilience, and comedic episodes—including a windswept ash-scattering—underscore the enduring spirit and humor running through the family.
• Quote:

  “Siempre la comedia a través de todo... hasta para tirar las cenizas de mi padre fue una risa.”
  (Amparo Larrañaga, 12:05)

• She also highlights the strength of family women, their support, and their survival through difficult periods in Spanish society.

4. Personal Resilience Through Loss and Health

• Amparo describes the deep bond with her grandfather, their pact of silence at the end of his life, and respecting his wishes during his final days.
• She later shares how caring for her father during his prolonged illness brought about renewed understanding and closure.
• Quote:

  “Ese tiempo fue maravilloso porque mi padre vivió por nosotros. Tenía la sensación de que estaba luchando en silencio y aguantando cuando lo que quería era irse.”
  (Amparo Larrañaga, 13:02)

• She recounts, with characteristic humor, her own open-heart surgery and how gallows humor helped her and her loved ones navigate fear and uncertainty.
• Quote:

  “Te abro el esternón, te paro el corazón, te meto una extracorpórea... y luego nada, en cuanto salga de aquí me voy a caer muerta. Muchas gracias.”
  (Amparo Larrañaga, 13:53)

5. Current Projects and Artistic Renewal

• Amparo reflects on her current play, Victoria, and a creative partnership she cherishes with director Cristina Clemente.
• The play deals with generational ambitions, parenting, and the comedic drama of wanting (or not wanting) athletic greatness for one’s children.
• She celebrates the rush and meaning of comedies, emphasizing how humor redeems even the most dramatic scenarios.

6. The Value of Humor and Self-Irony

• Throughout, Amparo and the hosts highlight the importance of laughter—especially at oneself—and using humor as a tool for coping and bonding in families.
• They reminisce about the tactile, communal experience of music before digital convenience, encouraging listeners to “let Siri rest and work our brains” (17:58).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | | ---------- | ----- | ------- | | 05:53 | “Yo al principio era tan mala que haciendo de muerta me dieron un paraguas porque no paraba quieta con las manos.” | Amparo Larrañaga | | 12:05 | “Siempre la comedia a través de todo... hasta para tirar las cenizas de mi padre fue una risa.” | Amparo Larrañaga | | 13:02 | “Ese tiempo fue maravilloso porque mi padre vivió por nosotros. Tenía la sensación de que estaba luchando en silencio y aguantando cuando lo que quería era irse.” | Amparo Larrañaga | | 13:53 | “Te abro el esternón, te paro el corazón, te meto una extracorpórea... y luego nada, en cuanto salga de aquí me voy a caer muerta. Muchas gracias.” | Amparo Larrañaga | | 17:58 | “Hay que seguir. Dejémonos a Siri descansar y trabajemos la cabeza.” | Amparo Larrañaga |

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:03] — Amparo on age, beauty, and self-acceptance
• [05:48] — Family legacy and her grandfather’s influence
• [08:03] — Living with her grandfather and early life lessons
• [09:34] — The final pact and farewell to her grandfather
• [12:05] — Family humor, dealing with death, and the ash anecdote
• [13:02] — Caring for her father during illness
• [13:53] — Open-heart surgery and turning a medical ordeal into comedy
• [15:42] — Discussion of her latest play, Victoria
• [17:15] — On music, nostalgia, and “working our brains”

Tone and Atmosphere

The entire episode radiates warmth, self-deprecating wit, and deep familial love. Amparo is candid and hilariously honest—never shying away from dark humor, yet always returning to the resilience and power of laughter in surviving life's most challenging moments. Listeners are left with a mixture of admiration, empathy, and genuine amusement.

Summary by: [Your Name or "Podcast Summarizer"]