Ana María Palma Yrarrázabal, a distinguished Chilean actress known for her impactful roles in television and her contributions to the cultural scene, has passed away at the age of 79. The cause of her death remains undisclosed.
Palma rose to fame for her antagonist role as Ana Rosa Sáez in the 1981 teleserie “La Madrastra” aired on Canal 13. Her talent was further showcased in productions like “Julio Comienza en Julio” (1979) by Silvio Caiozzi. Beyond these defining roles, she made her mark in other TVN and CHV productions during the 1970s and 1980s, such as “La Pérgola de las Flores,” “Las Herederas,” and “Bienvenido Hermano Andes.”
But Palma’s contributions weren’t limited to the screen. She served as Chile’s cultural attaché in both New York and Buenos Aires, tirelessly working to advance Chilean culture. Chileactores, an entity overseeing the intellectual property rights of audiovisual performers, paid tribute to her on Instagram: “With deep sorrow, we regret to announce the passing of our dearly beloved colleague and associate Ana María Palma Yrarrázabal. In this moment of grief, we extend our love and support to all her friends, relatives, and peers. We will always remember the energy, determination, and strength of our colleague.”
Political stances and advocacy
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Palma was a vocal supporter of the Partido Demócrata Cristiano and an opponent of Augusto Pinochet. Her political convictions led her to publicly condemn the crimes of the dictatorship. Notably, she hosted the “Caupolicanazo” event on August 7, 1980, at the Teatro Caupolicán, a gathering of those opposed to the military dictatorship.
In 1983, Palma joined the Agrupación de Mujeres Por la Vida (Women for Life) alongside other influential women like Moy de Tohá, Fanny Pollarolo, Mónica González, Patricia Verdugo, and many more.
Personal Life
Ana María Palma was previously married to Chilean politician Adolfo Zaldívar, with whom she had two children, Adolfo and Ana María.
Chile Actores has informed that Ana María Palma’s wake will be held at the Santa Elena parish at Presidente Errázuriz 3786, in the Las Condes district of the Metropolitan region.