Biographie

22 décembre 1965 · Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelone, Catalogne, Espagne

Sergi López i Ayats

1,73 m

Frequently plays unsympathetic characters such as abusive boyfriends, heartless conmen, and psychopaths.

His family was Republican during the Spanish Civil War, ironic as he played the pro-Franco, fascist Captain Vidal in Pan's Labyrinth.

He is fluent in Spanish, French, English and his native Catalan.

When he was cast in Le Labyrinthe de Pan (2006) to play Captain Vidal, the producers tried to convince director Guillermo del Toro that he may not be right for the part, as he was considered a comedic actor at the time. Del Toro disagreed and kept him in the film. López' portrayal was later praised by fans of the film and critics alike.

Has a paper written on his work and Spanish stereotypes, titled "Why Spaniards make good bad guys: Sergi Lopez and the Persistence of the Black Legend in contemporary European cinema" by Professor Samuel Amago.

Lives with his girlfriend and their two children.

[Captain Vidal] the most evil character I've ever played in my career. It is impossible to improve upon it; the character is so solid and so well written. Vidal is deranged, a psychopath who is impossible to defend. Even though his father's personality marked his existence - and is certainly one of the reasons for his mental disorder - that cannot be an excuse. It would seem to be very cynical to use that to justify or explain his cruel and cowardly acts. I think it is great that the film does not consider any justification of fascism.