After 18 years on air, the beloved Spanish television series Amar has reached its final chapter with a special Wednesday broadcast on Antena 3 during prime time. The show will hand over the spotlight to its successor, Sueños de libertad, already announced for the after-dinner slot. Throughout the seasons, the cast has evolved, yet three faces have remained constants: the owners of the El Asturiano bar, and the matriarch known as Magnolita. The ensemble is led by Itziar Miranda, who reflects on the emotional weight of the ending as filming wrapped for this finale. The cast has often commented on the journey from its early days on TVE’s La 1 to the present moment, where the finale marks a definitive end while still honoring the series’ legacy. This closing chapter has been crafted with care to ensure longtime viewers feel seen and respected as the story closes its loop.
-The finale was shot in October. What emotions did the actors experience as they interpreted this moment?
They describe a flood of emotions tied to what the series has represented over nearly two decades. There were times when tears came easily, moments when glances spoke more than words, and a shared sense of gratitude for the journey. At times the cast felt nostalgia as the show moved toward a new chapter, and at others they felt a thrill at acknowledging that Amar had become history on television, even as new stories began to unfold in their wake.
-Was there any actor who didn’t cry in the final scene?
As one would expect in a close-knit ensemble, no one avoided tears. The finale challenged the actors to push through a difficult moment, and one performer admits confusion at one point, nearly forgetting the last line. The moment itself underscored a quiet awareness that the series was truly reaching its end as the final words drew near.
-Do you think the audience will shed tears over the ending?
Undoubtedly. The ending has been designed to meet viewers’ expectations without feeling false or rushed. It reflects the care poured into the show and honors the faithful audience who stayed with Amar through its many seasons.
-Manuel Baqueiro and José Antonio Sayagués have remained part of Amar since the beginning. That kind of continuity is rare in the industry.
The actors acknowledge the unique stability such a long-running project offers, both financially and emotionally. They emphasize that a sustained series is exceptional in an acting career, where contracts are often brief. One performer notes that there was a period early on when no casting was needed because the role was small, yet loyalty and growth kept the cast connected for 18 years. The experience has been a rare gift that shaped their professional lives in profound ways.
“Asunción Balaguer once believed Manolita and the actor were a real-life couple”
-Manolita, the matriarch of a large family and a shrewd businesswoman who appears toward the end, diverges dramatically from the younger girl she started as on the show.
It is noted that she remains one of the most compelling female characters written for the series. The evolution mirrors a mother and grandmother who navigated societal shifts, adapted to change, and guided her daughters through turbulent times. This character arc defies typecasting, beginning in one way and concluding with a completely different portrayal. The transformation is a cornerstone of Amar’s storytelling, illustrating how a single character can undergo a rich, unexpected journey.
-The arc of Manolita reflects broader changes across the 18-year span. Even the cast members themselves have evolved, such as becoming mothers while the show progressed.
One performer recalls giving birth during the run of Amar, a surprising and memorable milestone. The writers initially doubted the timing, thinking it a joke, but the real-life moment became part of the narrative fabric as the years passed, spanning from ages in the mid-twenties to the mid-forties. This anecdote highlights how life and fiction intertwined over nearly two decades.
-What is the moment the actors remember most fondly from the series?
A treasured memory involves moments on set with their on-screen children. The performers describe a magical scene where babies were brought to the set during breastfeeding, allowing them to naturally become part of the Asturiano family. Those intimate, tender scenes are recalled as some of the most heartwarming and memorable experiences the cast shared.
-What was the toughest challenge during the farewell?
It involved navigating numerous, emotionally charged farewell scenes each year as cast members came and went. The goodbye was never easy, and the cast admits that the emotional weight was heavy, marking each year with a distinct sense of closure while carrying the ongoing legacy of the show forward.
-There was public speculation that Amar’s on-screen partner was a real-life couple. Was there any truth to that?
The rumor mill followed the actors into markets and studios alike. While some viewers hoped for a real-life romance, the truth was that it wasn’t the case. Asunción Balaguer believed the pair were together off-screen, a misconception they had to dispel publicly. The actors maintain a professional boundary, underscoring the separation between fiction and real life.
-Looking ahead, what comes next for the cast after Amar?
Looking toward the future, the cast reflects on the prospects of more daytime dramas. Some express a fondness for the format and a desire to explore future daily soaps, while others prefer different kinds of roles. The experience remains a touchstone in their careers, shaping the choices they make as they move forward—carefully balancing opportunities with the desire to honor the legacy of Amar. The participants acknowledge the love they have for the craft and the ongoing pull of storytelling, even as new projects spark interest and curiosity in the years ahead.