Antonio Grimau, the veteran Argentine actor whose career spanned over six decades across stage, television, and film, has died at the age of 82. His passing was confirmed this Tuesday by the Argentine Association of Actors, which paid tribute to his enduring presence in the national arts scene.
Born Antonio Rebolini on March 10, 1944, in Remedios de Escalada, Buenos Aires, the performer became a household name through a diverse range of roles. While he was often celebrated as a quintessential leading man in television dramas, his professional life was marked by a commitment to complex character work that left a significant impact on Argentine entertainment history.
A Legacy Built on Stage and Screen
Grimau’s journey into acting began unexpectedly at age 16. After responding to a notice in a newspaper for a theater production at the Charles Chaplin theater in Almagro, he found a vocation that would define his life. He later credited his training under Juan Carlos Gené as a foundational experience that shaped his artistic integrity. It was during these early years at the Chaplin that he adopted the surname “Grimau,” inspired by the story of Julián Grimau, a figure he encountered through songs of the Spanish Civil War.
Throughout his long career, Grimau maintained a deep connection to the theater, performing in dozens of productions including Los invertidos, directed by Alberto Ure at the Teatro San Martín, and the musical Hello, Dolly!. His television work was equally extensive, with appearances in iconic series such as Rolando Rivas, taxista, Poliladron, and Valientes. In 2018, he reached a new generation of viewers with his performance as the adult Roberto Sánchez in the miniseries Sandro de América, a role that earned him a Martín Fierro award.
Despedimos al actor Antonio Grimau. A través de su trabajo en los escenarios y las pantallas, construyó una sólida trayectoria que forma parte de la historia del espectáculo argentino. Abrazamos a sus seres queridos en este momento de dolor.
— Asociación Argentina de Actores y Actrices (@actoresprensa) October 20, 2026
Recovery and Resilience in His Final Years
Despite his professional success, Grimau faced profound personal and health challenges. In 2010, he experienced the loss of his son Lucas at the age of 36, a tragedy he often described as one of the most difficult moments of his life. He frequently spoke of the theater as a "salvador" or savior, noting that the act of performing and the affection of the audience helped him survive periods of intense grief.
In recent years, his health became a focus of public concern. In 2021, the actor was hospitalized in critical condition due to a severe case of COVID-19, which resulted in bilateral pneumonia and a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
While reports indicate the actor was hospitalized at the Hospital Municipal de Rehabilitación Respiratoria María Ferrer prior to his death, no official cause of death has been released by the relevant authorities. The Argentine Association of Actors and Actrices has officially acknowledged the loss of a pillar of the industry, and members of the artistic community have begun sharing their condolences, honoring a career that was recognized with the Premio Podestá for Honorable Trajectory in 2005.
As the industry mourns his passing, attention remains on the body of work he leaves behind, which continues to be a subject of study and appreciation within Argentine culture. No further details regarding memorial services have been announced at this time.
