María Luisa Cela Molinero (4 March 1943 – 30 March 2019), known professionally as Paloma Cela, was a Spanish actress and model. Born in Madrid, she began her career in fashion modelling before transitioning to cinema with her debut in the 1967 comedy Operación cabaretera, directed by Mariano Ozores.
Early life and modeling career
Paloma Cela was born María Luisa Cela Molinero in Madrid, Spain. Prior to entering the film industry she worked as a fashion model, appearing in campaigns for notable designers and brands.
Acting career
Film (1960s–1990s)
From the late 1960s through the early 1990s, Cela became known primarily for her roles in Spanish comedy films. Highlights of her filmography include:
- Forty Degrees in the Shade (1967)
- Tepepa (1968)
- Cry Chicago (1969)
- Love and Other Solitudes (1969)
- A Town Called Bastard (1971)
- Dick Turpin (1974)
- The Legion Like Women (1976)
- Manuela (1976)
She continued to appear in film into the 2000s, notably in Torrente 2: Misión en Marbella (2001).
Television and theatre (1990s–2000s)
In the early 1990s Cela shifted toward television, featuring in sitcoms such as ¡Ay, Señor, Señor! and ¡Ala… Dina!. In 1998 she starred in the series Tío Willy, recognized as the first Spanish television program to feature an LGBT main character.
During the early 2000s she returned to the stage, performing in productions including La venganza de la Petra (2002) and Anacleto se divorcia (2003). Later in her career she made regular appearances on gossip‑type programmes such as Sálvame Deluxe, where she publicly defended herself against accusations made by journalist Lydia Lozano.
Personal life and death
Paloma Cela remained a public figure in Spain throughout her life. She died on 30 March 2019 in Madrid, aged 76, from vascular complications at Hospital La Paz.
Selected filmography
- Forty Degrees in the Shade (1967)
- Tepepa (1968)
- Cry Chicago (1969)
- Love and Other Solitudes (1969)
- A Town Called Bastard (1971)
- Dick Turpin (1974)
- The Legion Like Women (1976)
- Manuela (1976)
- Torrente 2: Misión en Marbella (2001)
Paloma Cela is remembered for her extensive contributions to Spanish cinema and television, particularly within the comedy genre.