Elena Furiase, born in Madrid in 1988, rose to prominence in a popular Spanish drama where she filmed her first scenes alongside her mother, Lolita Flores. She reflects on a career marked by bright peaks and long troughs, a period when opportunities didn’t come knocking as consistently as before. Today she feels renewed by a current Telecinco project, where her portrayal complements a narrative headlined by Lydia Bosch as Lucía, a blind physical therapist.
Lucía is a different character from all the roles she’s played. Was that what drew her to the part most?
It’s a striking departure because Lucía is blind, which pushes her far beyond the everyday routine of acting. Furiase speaks with warmth about honoring people who live without sight and about stepping out of her comfort zone with sincere dedication.
How did she prepare for the role?
She admits a personal unease about blindness, a fear she carried since childhood. When the cast was confirmed, her team asked who she’d like to work with on preparation. She answered that life itself had been her teacher. A contact with Juan, a blind physical therapist from Móstoles, became a pivotal experience. He demonstrated movement, perception, and a different approach to life. He explained that sight can distract in many situations, and that insight shaped Lucía’s portrayal.
Was creating a blind character a heavy responsibility?
Yes, there’s a weight of responsibility, tempered by fear and the fear of misrepresentation. Critics can be vocal, and someone who has lived with blindness might spot flaws. The goal is to invite empathy and to allow audiences to see Lucía as a fully realized person rather than a reflection of the actress. There is also a social duty because the series embraces diverse genders and identities, including bisexual and lesbian experiences. That breadth adds responsibility, but it also enriches the storytelling.
She has spoken about alternating waves of success and periods of waiting in her career.
That description is closer to the truth than a single word. There were moments when opportunities flourished, while others stretched into months without calls. Family and friends often offered support during lulls. Those highs and lows teach a performer to value each project, recognizing that patience matters and that the right offer may arrive when least expected. The experience underscores the reality of the industry: accomplishments can appear alongside droughts, and resilience matters just as much as talent.
Would she consider a revival of her breakout role through a reboot, perhaps on a platform like Amazon Prime?
There’s openness to the idea. Dialogue with producers suggested a cameo by familiar faces from the original cast, though plans didn’t materialize. The first season offered nostalgia without trying to replicate the initial tone. Revisiting the setting could be intriguing for longtime fans, offering a bridge between the beloved series and a modern reimagining.
“I have always felt a strong connection to the country, the city, and the family”
Her early work helped spark Ana de Armas’s rise, who earned an Oscar nomination this year for Blonde.
That achievement is a bold reminder of what dedication can yield. Ana’s path shows many people that perseverance pays. Her journey inspires others to pursue their own goals while staying true to themselves.
Today, how does a career rooted in Spain extend across the globe, including series like Money Heist?
The possibility exists, yet the choice remains deeply personal. She values roots in her homeland, its cities and its families. Independence in a foreign market can be daunting, and the longing for family often shapes decisions. The dream of working abroad persists, but for now the balance leans toward continued focus at home, where the work and life rhythm feels right. That said, nothing is off the table in the future; life can surprise when the right project aligns with personal values.