Redacción Antonio Gasalla passed away at 84 years old.
In recent months, the health condition of the great Argentine actor and playwright had worsened
Antonio Gasalla, an icon of Argentine entertainment, passed away at 84 years old after a prolonged illness. The news was confirmed by his brother, Carlos Gasalla, and theater producer Carlos Rottemberg. His departure leaves an immense void in the world of humor and popular culture.
Gasalla had faced health complications in recent years, worsened by senile dementia that progressively distanced him from the stage. His last hospitalization occurred weeks ago at the Sanatorio Otamendi due to pneumonia. After being discharged, he spent his last days in a rehabilitation center, where his condition deteriorated even further.
A Farewell Foretold
His brother Carlos was the one who communicated his diagnosis bluntly: "I want to be clear: he has senile dementia. It's a disease that will continue to progress. Antonio has no awareness, he doesn't speak." These words resonated with his close circle and the public who admired him.
His friend and journalist Marcelo Polino also expressed the impact of the disease: "Antonio doesn't walk, he hasn't recognized us for more than a year. He hardly speaks anymore, he is fed through a gastric button. It's a very sad situation."
An Artist Who Transcended Generations
Gasalla was not just an actor. With each character, he managed to reflect society with a keen critical eye.Mamá Cora in "Esperando la carroza" (1985) is one of his most iconic performances, with phrases that are now part of the Argentine cultural DNA. He also portrayed La Empleada Pública,Soledad Solari and La Abuela, an unforgettable character in Susana Giménez's shows.
His humor, precise and sharp, never resorted to crudeness. With a sharp scalpel, he dissected social hypocrisy while eliciting laughter. His brilliance made him an undisputed reference in entertainment.
A month ago, at the Premios Carlos de Villa Carlos Paz, it was his brother who received an honorary award on his behalf, highlighting his invaluable contribution to theater.
Major figures in the industry, like Susana Giménez and Marcelo Tinelli, remained alert to his health condition. Polino recalled their last conversations: "We talked every day, laughed for hours. Seeing him like this, not recognizing us, was devastating."
Gasalla leaves an indelible mark. His laughter, his irony, and his talent will remain alive in every sketch, in every movie scene, and in every phrase that the public continues to repeat. His legacy will continue to generate laughter and reflections in future generations.
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