Emilio Echevarría dead: James Bond star dies aged 80 as tributes flood in for Pierce Brosnan co-star: ‘Tremendous actor!’
Mexican actor Emilio Echevarría, known for his roles in James Bond film Die Another Day and Amores perros, has died aged 80.
The veteran performer passed away on Saturday, January 4 in Mexico City.
His death was announced by the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences (AMACC) on Monday.
The AMACC paid tribute to the actor’s extensive career, writing: “The AMACC regrets the sensitive death of actor Emilio Echevarría, who forged an enormous career in film and theater. He received three Ariel nominations for his participation as a side actor.”
A cause of death has not been confirmed.
Born Emilio Antonio Echevarría Noriega on 3 July 1944 in Mexico City, he initially pursued a career in finance.
He studied accounting at the National Autonomous University of Mexico before making a career change in his early thirties.
Echevarría began his acting journey in 1978 as a member of the Constitution of Art and Society, before joining the theatre group Circo, Maroma y Teatro.
His film debut came in 1989 with Dana Rotberg’s Intimidad, marking the beginning of what would become a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades.
Echevarría gained international recognition for his iconic portrayal of El Chivo, a hitman and former guerrilla, in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 2000 film Amores perros.
He later appeared as Cuban intelligence operative Raoul in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, starring alongside Pierce Brosnan.
His impressive filmography included roles in Alfonso Cuarón’s Y tu mamá también and John Lee Hancock’s The Alamo.
In 2006, he starred in Babel with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, further cementing his status in international cinema.
He frequently collaborated with actor Gael García Bernal, appearing together in multiple productions including the Amazon series Mozart in the Jungle.
Throughout his career, Echevarría earned three Ariel Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor in Mexican cinema.
His first nomination came in 1990 for his role in Morir en el golfo (Dying in the Gulf).
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He received further nominations for his performances in A Monster with a Thousand Heads (2015) and The Chosen (2018).
The actor is survived by his daughter, Lourdes Echevarría, who has also pursued a career in acting.
Tributes have poured in following the news of Echevarría’s passing.
Screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga wrote on X: “Sad news for those of us who loved and admired him. Emilio Echevarría has died. A tremendous actor and an even better human being. A dear friend. I had the privilege of collaborating with him on several productions. A great man.”
The Really, 007! podcast also honoured the actor on Instagram, stating: “Very sad news to hear about the passing of Emilio Echevarría. He brought life to the enigmatic Raoul in #DieAnotherDay – a highlight of the film.”