Elías Querejeta Gárate[a] (27 October 1934 – 9 June 2013), also known as Elías Querejeta (Spanish pronunciation:[eˈli.askeɾeˈxeta]) and known in the Spanish film industry as "The Producer", was a Spanish screenwriter and film producer.[1] He is the father of Gracia Querejeta.[1]
Biography
Querejeta was born in Hernani, Spain, and played soccer for Real Sociedad.[1] By the age of 18 he was making his debut in the Spanish first division with San Sebastián's team, Real Sociedad (his position was midfielder; his brother José María also played, as a goalkeeper).[2] But his career in sports ended in 1959, when he moved to Madrid to set up his own film production company.
The most significant relationship of Querejeta's life was with Amparo Muñoz. He met Amparo on the set of Mamá cumple cien años.[5] The relationship subsequently received much publicity. Querejeta remained married throughout their relationship; although he and his wife, Maria Carmen y Marin had been living separate lives, there was never an official split and neither party pursued a divorce. Muñoz did not interfere, and never fought for marriage, until her death in 2011. Querejeta later died in 2013 in Madrid, Spain (aged 78).
Notes
^In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Querejeta and the second or maternal family name is Gárate.