Hollywood star Antonio Banderas’ mother, Ana Bandera Gallego, has died, aged 84.
The 57-year-old Spaniard made the announcement on Twitter on Saturday afternoon, in a poignant message to fans, thanking them for their messages of condolence and support.
He wrote, in his native tongue: ‘At six o’clock early this morning, our mother Ana Bandera Gallego has left us forever. May God keep her in the place that she deserves.’
‘May God keep her in the place that she deserves’: Antonio Banderas announces the death of his beloved mother Ana aged 84… and thanks fans for their support in heartfelt tweet
‘Thank you very much to everyone for all the support and affection. I cherish the hugs and send you one from the entire family.’
He also posted a classic black and white image of his late mother, from her younger years, looking chic and smiling, with a similar caption below it.
This read: ‘At six o’clock early this morning, on 4/11/2017 our mother Ana Bandera Gallego has left us forever.
‘She takes away with her not only the love of her family, but also the one from her friends who will always remember her dearly. May God keep her in the place that she deserves.’
Moving: He also posted a classic black and white image of his late mother, from her younger years, looking chic and smiling, with a similar caption below it
A few days before, Antonio was seen on the set of his latest project, which he has shaved his head for.
He is taking on the role of Pablo Picasso for the second season of National Geographic’s anthology series Genius in Malaga, Spain.
He seemed to be in great spirits on the day, enjoying playing the role of the iconic painter for the series that is set to air in 2019.
It’s unclear whether his mother had been unwell or not or whether her death was unexpected.
An emotional time: A few days before, Antonio was seen on the set of his latest project, which he has shaved his head for
Ana gave birth to Antonio on 10 August 1960 – whose father was José Domínguez, a police officer in the Civil Guard.
Ana was a school teacher and also gave Antonio a brother, Francisco Javier.
The family name was Domínguez, but Antonio [whose real name is in fact José] took his mother’s last name as his stage name.