Who is Javier Bardem’s mother? All about actor’s political activist family

Actor Javier Bardem, who was seen on the red carpet at the 2025 Emmys, voiced his support for Palestine by calling for an end to genocide in Gaza.

He wore a keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity. Citing the International Association of Genocide Scholars in his statement to Variety’s Marc Malkin, he said:

“Here I am today, denouncing the genocide in Gaza. I am talking about the IAGS, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, who study thoroughly genocide and has declared it is a genocide. That’s why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide. Free Palestine.”

Javier Bardem’s recent statement has evoked an interest in his family and their background in political activism, which includes his late mother, Pilar Bardem. She had a distinguished career in theatre, film, and television. She also worked with Bardem’s wife, Penelope Cruz, in several films, such as Entre Rojas, Live Flesh, Don’t Tempt Me. But, was also known for her political and social activism.

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All about Javier Bardem’s political activist family

When enquired about his family's left-leaning and anti-fascist background, Javier Bardem expressed deep respect, gratitude, and appreciation for his family for fighting for the right causes (Awards Watch). In addition to his mother, Pilar Bardem's uncle, his mother’s older brother, Juan Antonio Bardem, was also politically active. He was reportedly persecuted under the Franco regime in Spain.

Bardem, in an interview with Awards Watch in 2021, described it as fighting for "justice and the rights for those who are the weakest."

Born in 1939, Pilar was the daughter of actors Rafael Bardem and Matilde Muñoz Sampedro. She was married to José Carlos Encinas Doussinague and passed away on July 17, 2021, in Madrid, Spain. Known as a renowned activist, Pilar campaigned to improve the conditions for actors and against the 2003 Iraq war.

Javier Bardem’s uncle, Juan, was imprisoned by Francisco Franco for expressing anti-fascist views through his films. He was an outspoken critic of the Franco regime. He was a prominent film director and a member of the Communist Party. His 1955 film, Death of a Cyclist, is a notable example of it. In 1956, he won the Cannes International Critics Award.

In an interview with The New York Times, Javier Bardem spoke about being criticised by his Spanish people who label him as “sold out” after he chose to pursue his career in Hollywood. He said:

“The Spanish are tough. They criticise my work and say I sold out. You want to say: 'Stop it – you're a bunch of stupid people.'”

However, he later apologised, saying that he did not mean to insult the Spanish people. He said that his comments were directed towards a small section.

He said:

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“Contrary to what I was quoted as saying, I feel very proud of my country and through my work I have always tried to contribute to its culture within and outside Spain and to honour my people.”

Javier Bardem has also starred in many politically themed films, such as The Dancer Upstairs, Los Lunes Al Sol, and Before Night Falls. He has also starred in six films alongside his mother. Their most famous performance is in Pedro Almodóvar's Live Flesh, released in 1997.

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