Amparo Muñoz facts for kids

Amparo Muñoz y Quesada (born June 21, 1954 – died February 27, 2011) was a famous Spanish actress and beauty queen. She made history by winning the Miss Universe 1974 competition in Manila, Philippines. She was the first and, so far, the only person from Spain to win the Miss Universe title.

Amparo Muñoz decided to give up her Miss Universe title and crown after about six months. This was because she chose not to follow some of the rules and travel plans set by the Miss Universe Organization. Even though she stepped down, no one else was officially chosen to take her place as Miss Universe 1974.

After her time as Miss Universe, Amparo Muñoz became a very popular actress in Spain. She starred in many movies, including comedies like Mama Turns 100 and dramas like Clara es el Precio. She passed away on February 27, 2011, due to health complications. She was buried in the Roman Catholic cemetery of Saint Michael in Málaga, Spain.

Early life and first steps

Amparo Muñoz was born on June 21, 1954, in Vélez-Málaga, Spain. Her father was a blacksmith, and her mother was a housewife. Amparo was the oldest of six children. When she was seven, her godparents helped raise her because her family faced financial difficulties.

After finishing high school, Amparo worked as an assistant at a local newspaper in Málaga. The newspaper's director encouraged her to join a beauty contest called “El Certamen de Belleza de Costa del Sol” (Miss Sun Coast Beauty Contest). Winning this contest helped her enter and win the 1973 Miss Spain contest, which was held in Lanzarote.

Miss Universe journey

Amparo Muñoz started her journey from her hometown of Vélez-Málaga in Andalusia. After winning her local city title, she competed in the Miss Spain contest in Lanzarote. Her victory there led her to the international stage.

She then went on to win the Miss Universe 1974 pageant, which took place in Manila, Philippines. This was a huge achievement for her and for Spain.

However, after about six months, Amparo decided not to continue with her duties as Miss Universe. She chose to stay in Málaga with her friends instead of attending events like a parade in New York or a trip to Japan. She eventually gave up her crown.

Despite this, the Miss Universe Organization wanted to keep her as the official Miss Universe 1974. The first runner-up, Miss Wales Helen Elizabeth Morgan, was not offered the title. Because Amparo Muñoz did not pass on the crown to her successor, the Miss Universe of 1975 was chosen to crown the new winner that year.

Acting career

After her success in beauty pageants, many film directors became interested in Amparo Muñoz. She started her acting career in 1973 with the film Wholesome Married Life. In this movie, she played a character who tempted a married man. She also appeared in Tocata y fuga de Lolita, where her role helped make the movie popular.

She continued to act in several films, including Volvoreta (1976) and Del amor y de la muerte (1977). Her acting career took a significant turn when she worked with producer Elías Querejeta. This led to her starring in important films like Dedicatory (1980). This film helped her gain attention from directors in both Spain and Mexico.

Amparo Muñoz became a well-known celebrity in Spain during the 1970s. She was famous alongside other Spanish stars like Nino Bravo and Rocío Dúrcal.

In 1979, she acted in the comedy Mama Turns 100, directed by Carlos Saura. She also appeared in Todo un Hombre (1982) and A Paradise Under the Stars (1999). In 1980, she moved to Mexico for a period.

In 1983, she co-starred with Gloria Diaz, who was Miss Universe in 1969, in a Philippine film called “Hayop Sa Ganda” (meaning "Savagely Beautiful").

In 1989, Amparo returned to mainstream Spanish cinema with the movie Familia. She continued her life as an actress. She took a break from films for seven years between 1989 and 1996. Her family later asked her to return to Spain.

Later life and passing

Amparo Muñoz faced health challenges for a long time. In 2003, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and an issue with an artery near her Cerebellum.

Her doctors told her that her health was very serious. She suffered two brain aneurysms, which are like weak spots in blood vessels in the brain. The first one caused half of her body to become paralyzed. Amparo Muñoz passed away on February 27, 2011, at the age of 56, in Málaga.

Her funeral was kept very private, as she had wished. Her body was cremated on March 1, 2011. Her gravestone is located at the Roman Catholic cemetery of Saint Michael in Málaga, Spain.

Filmography

Film

Television

Stage

See also

In Spanish: Amparo Muñoz para niños