María Onetto

María José Onetto was an Argentine actress and psychologist, originally from Buenos Aires, recognized for her significant contributions to theater, film, and television. She gained international acclaim for her lead role as Verónica in Lucrecia Martel's 2008 film The Headless Woman, a psychological drama exploring guilt and identity. Onetto's career was marked by a strong presence in Argentine entertainment, highlighted by her award-winning performance in the television series Montecristo (2006), which earned her the Clarín and Martín Fierro Awards for best actress in drama and rising star. She also received the prestigious Konex Award in 2011 for her theatrical work. Onetto grew up in the suburb of Martínez. She pursued psychology at the University of Buenos Aires, graduating in four years and briefly working in psycho-pedagogical roles alongside her mother. However, her passion for acting led her to join Ricardo Bartís's Sportivo Teatral theater workshop in 1991, where she trained and later taught acting. She fully committed to her artistic career after participating in Rafael Spregelburd's production Dragging the Cross. Throughout her career, she worked with notable directors and appeared in films such as Puzzle (2010) and Wild Tales (2014), as well as numerous theater productions including Eduardo Pavlovsky's Potestad (2021). Onetto's influence extended beyond acting; she directed a localized version of the rock musical Passing Strange in 2011 and was known for her dedication to theater as a space for social and psychological exploration. Her work left a lasting impact on Argentine culture and the performing arts. María Onetto passed away in Buenos Aires in 2023 at the age of 56. Her death was confirmed as a suicide, marking a tragic end to a distinguished career in the arts.