Emma Penella - Actor Profile

Emma Penella

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
44Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Mar 2, 1930
Birth Place: Madrid, Spain

About Emma Penella

Manuela Ruiz Penella known as Emma Penella (Madrid, March 2, 1931 - Ibidem, August 27, 2007) was a Spanish film, theater and television actress. Daughter of the politician Ramón Ruiz Alonso and Magdalena Penella Silva, granddaughter of the composer Manuel Penella Moreno, great-granddaughter of the also musician Manuel Penella Raga, sister of the also actresses Elisa Montés (1934) and Terele Pávez (1939-2017). She married film producer Emiliano Piedra with whom she had three daughters: Emma, Lola and Emiliana. She was also the aunt of the actress Emma Ozores (daughter of her sister Elisa Montés and the actor Antonio Ozores). Actress of marked personality and prestige since the 1950s, she triumphed in cinema thanks to films such as Luis García Berlanga's El verdugo (The Executioner) and maintained intense theatrical activity. She renewed her popularity in her later years participating in the television series Aquí no hay quien viva (2003-2006) and La que se avecina (2007).

Emma Penella Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Emma Penella reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 44 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Emma Penella's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 55% of Emma Penella's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Sentencia contra una mujer, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Emma Penella Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Emma Penella's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Emma Penella has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2021 FFG, el último gran conversador Self - Actress (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2003 Bulgarian Lovers Remedios Average Similar →
2000 Pídele cuentas al rey Carmen Average Similar →
1992 El Quijote de Miguel de Cervantes Teresa Panza Super Hit Similar →
1991 El crimen de Don Benito - Flop Similar →
1990 Doblones de a ocho Palmira Super Hit Similar →
1988 Viento de cólera - Flop Similar →
1987 The Tobacconist of Vallecas Doña Justa Average Similar →
1986 El amor brujo Tía Rosario Hit Similar →
1985 Our Father María Flop Similar →
1974 The Regent's Wife Ana Ozores - La Regenta Flop Similar →
1971 First Surrender - Flop Similar →
1970 Fortunata y Jacinta Fortunata Hit Similar →
1966 Lola, espejo oscuro Lola Flop Similar →
1966 The Search Rosa Average Similar →
1965 Black Humor Miss Wilma - segment 2 'La Mandrilla - Miss Wilma' Average Similar →
1964 Golden Goddess of Rio Beni Dinah Super Hit Similar →
1964 Badmen of the West Lucy Super Hit Similar →
1963 La hora incógnita - Flop Similar →
1963 The Executioner Carmen, la hija de Amadeo Super Hit Similar →
1963 Carta a una mujer Flora Hit Similar →
1963 La cuarta ventana Dora García Super Hit Similar →
1963 Alegre juventud Violeta Super Hit Similar →
1962 El amor de los amores - Flop Similar →
1961 Scano Boa Buba Super Hit Similar →
1960 Un ángel tuvo la culpa Eulalia Hit Similar →
1960 Sentencia contra una mujer - Super Hit Similar →
1959 De espaldas a la puerta Lola Hit Similar →
1957 The War Starts in Cuba - Average Similar →
1957 Un marido de ida y vuelta Leticia Romero Flop Similar →
1957 The Shadow Battalion Lola Average Similar →
1956 Fedra, the Devil's Daughter Estrella Hit Similar →
1955 Red Fish Ivón Hit Similar →
1955 El guardián del paraíso La monjita Super Hit Similar →
1955 Tres hombres van a morir Héléna Super Hit Similar →
1954 La patrouille des sables Héléna Hit Similar →
1954 Comedians Marga Average Similar →
1954 The Adventurer of Seville Duquesa de San Tirso Average Similar →
1953 Condemned to Hang Consuelo Average Similar →
1953 ¡Che, qué loco! Esperancita Couceiro Super Hit Similar →
1952 Doña Francisquita Aurora la Beltrana Hit Similar →
1952 Aimless boat - Hit Similar →
1952 The Eyes Leave a Trace Lola Average Similar →
1952 Truhanes de honor Luisa Super Hit Similar →

Emma Penella - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Emma Penella?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Emma Penella is "Sentencia contra una mujer" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Emma Penella acted in?

Emma Penella has been featured in at least 44 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Emma Penella?

Other notable films include "La cuarta ventana", "¡Che, qué loco!", and "Scano Boa".

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