The greatest international star ever to come out of Spain, Sara Montiel died last week, on April 8th at the age of 85.
She was an actress since the late 1940’s, a recording star since the 1950’s and a celebrity for 8 decades. The world will never see the likes of Sarita ever again, and it is now a poorer place since she left us….
Her exquisite beauty was apparent from an early age. This photo was taken ca. 1950
Equipped with good acting talent, physically very beautiful and add to that a sensual, sexy voice – and you get an incredible combination of talent. Sara was a great movie star but to me she will always remain one of the finest Spanish singers through the ages. She was a very versatile singer, who at first did boleros, cha-cha’s, tangos etc. and then broadened her musical landscape to encompass a little bit of everything.
Her early 1970’s recording “Touch Me” is a hilarious bit of fun, where she – with tongue in cheek – pokes fun at all the moaning and groaning disco divas, and also along the way spoofing her own “sex godess” image. Though firmly steeped in traditional, latin pop music, she none the less re-recorded her own 50’s hit “Fumando Espero” in a great techno-dance version on her 1995 album “Amados Mios”, and as late as 2009 she teamed with Fangoria on the dance track “Absolutamente”. The accompanying video shows La Sarita at age 83, sporting a sexy negligee and looking and sounding at least 25 years younger.
Released 1995, her album “Amados Mios” shows that Sarita kept up with the current musical trends, without losing one bit of her unique style
Sara Montiel was a pioneer in several areas; she was the first Spanish singer to wear sexy, low cut dresses. She made it to Hollywood in the 1950’s, and was one of the first Spanish/Latin actresses to get real parts, not just “off-the-shoulder senoritas” called Rosita, Pepita and such.
Sara in Hollywood. With her bubbling personality, she even made James Dean laugh!
She established herself as a big star in Mexico, she recorded in several languages and many different styles – sugar coating every record with her deep, sensual but very soulful voice. Even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish, her emotions come through, making you understand the feeling of the song. It is another proof of her talents as an actress.
A photo from the 1960’s that proves she was one of the most beautiful people ever to grace the earth
Sara died at her home last week, and Spain has thus lost their biggest star. Her fame spread far and wide, but Sara’s heart always belonged to Spain – and she refused all offers to settle down and live any place else. Staying active in show business for more than 60 years, Sarita had fans of all ages, and all nationalities. We all grieve now, and share the loss….
Even as she reached the age of 75, Sara was still glamourous and stylish…
Descanse en paz, Sarita! You will never be forgotten – your legacy in films and on record lives on eternally!
stianeriksen 