María José Onetto was a renowned Argentine actress and psychologist, born in Buenos Aires, who made significant contributions to the world of theater, film, and television. Her impressive career was marked by numerous accolades, including her lead role as Verónica in Lucrecia Martel's 2008 film The Headless Woman, a psychological drama that delved into themes of guilt and identity.
Onetto's notable performances earned her widespread recognition, including her award-winning role in the television series Montecristo (2006),which garnered her the Clarín and Martín Fierro Awards for best actress in drama and rising star. Additionally, she received the prestigious Konex Award in 2011 for her outstanding theatrical work.
Born in the suburb of Martínez, Onetto pursued a degree in 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.
Onetto's artistic journey was marked by her participation in various productions, including Rafael Spregelburd's Dragging the Cross, which led her to fully commit to 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).
Beyond her acting career, Onetto was also a talented director, having directed a localized version of the rock musical Passing Strange in 2011. Her dedication to theater as a space for social and psychological exploration left a lasting impact on Argentine culture and the performing arts.
Sadly, María Onetto passed away in Buenos Aires in 2023 at the age of 56, her death confirmed as a suicide, marking a tragic end to a distinguished career in the arts.
