Antonio Gasalla was born on March 9, 1941, and from a young age, he knew that his passion was acting. He studied at the National School of Dramatic Art, where he met Carlos Perciavalle, with whom he would share numerous theatrical successes starting in 1966. However, his definitive consecration came in 1973 when he, alongside Enrique Pinti, began a successful career that included shows like 'Pan y circo,' 'Gasalla y Corrientes,' among others.
One of the most iconic moments of his career was in 1985 when he starred in the film 'Esperando la carroza,' which became a classic of Argentine cinema and a cultural symbol. Despite his impact in theater and television, his presence in film was not as prominent as in other artistic fields.
In 1988, Gasalla ventured into television with 'El Mundo de Antonio Gasalla' on ATC, where he created unforgettable characters like 'La abuela' and 'Bárbara Don’t Worry.' After moving to Telefe in 1990, he continued to captivate the audience with his unique style of humor. By the end of the decade, he returned to the theater alongside Carlos Perciavalle.
One of his most remembered moments on television was when Susana Giménez invited him to portray 'La abuela' on her show, generating memorable interviews in which he managed to obtain unexpected revelations through his relaxed humor.
Throughout his career, Gasalla received recognitions such as the Martín Fierro award in 1989 and the Martín Fierro de Oro in 1995. In 2023, he was awarded the Martín Fierro for Lifetime Achievement, although his delicate health condition prevented him from attending the ceremony. His last theatrical performance took place in 2019, and in 2020 he announced his retirement due to health issues related to senile dementia.
Marcelo Polino, his friend, shared information about Gasalla's health in his last years and took his last Martín Fierro to the institution where he spent his final days. Admired and remembered by generations, Antonio Gasalla leaves an indelible legacy in Argentine culture, being an icon of humor whose mark will endure in the collective memory.
