The Film Academy pays tribute to Concha Velasco at the Goya Awards gala, which is being held this Saturday, February 10 in Valladolid, the actress’s hometown.
The performer, who died on December 2, was one of the most popular artists in Spanish history and for more than 50 years she received the immense affection of the public and her professional colleagues. When she lowered the curtain she was not alone either. Her two children always maintained a very close and close relationship with her mother.
Manuel (1976) and Paco Martínez took care of her during the last years of her life, when her health deteriorated, and they are in charge of receiving this last tribute in Valladolid.
Manuel Martínez, Concha’s son with Fernando Arribas
Although Paco Marsó adopted Manuel when he married Concha Velasco in 1977, the actor was not his biological father. The actress never wanted to talk regarding this topic, although in 2021 she acknowledged that her first-born child had been the result of her relationship with Fernando Arribas, one of the most important directors of photography in Spanish cinema.
When the actress became pregnant, she asked him to marry her, but he refused the commitment because he was already married. Her first intention was to have an abortion, but when she arrived at the clinic she made the decision to be a single mother.
Years later, the actress met Paco and he did not mind recognizing Manuel as his son. She revealed to the young man who her father was, but she asked him not to make it public until he died and that was the case.
Concha Velasco and her son Manuel Martínez present the play ‘El Funeral’ in 2008
Manuel is a well-known playwright, director and writer. His last work was the publication of the book Things You Shouldn’t Do the Night Before Getting Married (2022), a romantic comedy, in which he gets into the mind of a woman.
He was a scriptwriter for María’s Room, a play in which his mother starred and which marked his farewell to theaters. The last time the actress stepped on stage it was with her son.
Concha Velasco says goodbye to the theater with the performance ‘María’s Room’
Although he comes from a well-known family, the director has preferred to stay away from the media and has kept his private life very discreet. However, in recent years he has been the one in charge of informing the press regarding the health of his mother.
Paco Martínez, the son with whom Concha Velasco has lived
Paco Martínez, the youngest of the family, is the spitting image of his father Paco Marsó. In fact, he has wanted to follow in his footsteps and is also a producer. He founded the production company Chancleta Entertainment and is behind the latest El Chojín video clips, among others.
Regarding his personal life, he is even more discreet than his brother Manuel. He was married to jazz singer Cecilia Cruz, mother of his son Samuel, Concha’s only grandson. The artist confessed on many occasions that the little boy was her right eye and what cost her the most during her confinement was not being able to see him.
Concha Velasco and her son Paco in April 2015
The relationship with his ex-partner has always been very good. “Cecilia has continued to be part of the family and has always been Concha’s daughter-in-law. Like a daughter,” a person close to the family told Spanish Jaleos. In addition, the actress was always very close to her son since she was living in her house until March 2022 when she moved by her own decision to a residence.
Without a doubt, Concha Velasco’s family has always been there supporting her and her death is a hard blow for everyone around her.
