Introduction
Lina Romay was a Spanish actress and singer who became famous for her roles in erotic and horror films. She was born in Barcelona in 1954 and started her acting career in the 1970s. Romay was known for her bold and provocative performances, and she worked with some of the most prominent directors in the industry. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at her life and career, including her personal life, notable roles, and legacy.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
Lina Romay was born Rosa María Almirall Martínez on June 25, 1954, in Barcelona, Spain. Her parents were both actors, and she grew up in a family of performers. Romay started taking acting lessons at a young age and appeared in her first film, “The House That Screamed,” when she was only 16 years old. She continued to act in small roles in Spanish films throughout the 1970s, but it wasn’t until she met director Jess Franco that her career took off.
Collaboration with Jess Franco
Jess Franco was a Spanish filmmaker who specialized in erotic and horror films. He discovered Romay in the early 1970s and cast her in many of his films. The two became romantically involved and remained a couple until Franco’s death in 2013. Romay’s performances in Franco’s films were often controversial and provocative, and she became known for her uninhibited and fearless approach to acting. Some of her most famous roles include “Female Vampire,” “Barbed Wire Dolls,” and “Vampyros Lesbos.”
Personal Life
Relationship with Jess Franco
Romay and Franco were a couple for over 40 years and collaborated on more than 100 films together. They were known for their unconventional lifestyle and often lived in poverty, relying on the income from their films to survive. Romay was devoted to Franco and remained by his side until his death in 2013. She was heartbroken by his passing and rarely appeared in public after that.
Health Issues and Death
Romay suffered from several health issues throughout her life, including diabetes and heart disease. She underwent several surgeries and hospitalizations, but her health continued to decline. She died on February 15, 2012, at the age of 57, from cancer. Her death was a shock to her fans and colleagues, who remembered her as a talented and fearless actress who pushed the boundaries of cinema.
Legacy
Influence on Spanish Cinema
Lina Romay was a trailblazer in Spanish cinema and paved the way for other actresses to explore roles in erotic and horror films. She was known for her fearlessness and willingness to take risks, and her performances inspired many filmmakers and actors. Her collaborations with Jess Franco are still celebrated today and are considered some of the most iconic films in Spanish cinema.
Continued Popularity
Despite her controversial roles and unconventional lifestyle, Lina Romay remains a beloved figure in Spanish cinema. Her films continue to be screened at festivals and retrospectives, and her legacy lives on through her many fans and admirers. Romay’s fearlessness and dedication to her craft continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers, and her contributions to Spanish cinema will never be forgotten.
FAQ
Who is Lina Romay?
Lina Romay was a Spanish actress and singer who appeared in over 100 films throughout her career. She is best known for her work in the horror and exploitation film genres.
What were some of Lina Romay’s most famous roles?
Some of Lina Romay’s most famous roles include “Female Vampire,” “Barbed Wire Dolls,” and “Macumba Sexual.”
Did Lina Romay have a successful music career?
While Lina Romay is primarily known for her work in film, she did release several albums throughout her career as a singer.
What was Lina Romay’s personal life like?
Lina Romay was married to filmmaker Jesus Franco, who directed many of her films. She was also known for her relationships with both men and women.
When did Lina Romay pass away?
Lina Romay passed away on February 15, 2012, at the age of 57.
