Ernesto Alterio

Ernesto Federico Alterio Bacaicoa is an Argentine and Spanish actor who works across film, theatre, and television. Born in Buenos Aires on September 25, 1970, he holds citizenship in both Argentina and Spain. Over the course of his career, he has appeared in numerous stage, screen, and television projects across both countries.

Alterio is the son of actor Héctor Alterio Onorato and psychologist Modesta Ángela Bacaicoa Destéfano. His younger sister, Malena, also became an actor. His family background includes Italian heritage through his grandparents, who originally came from Carpinone, a commune in the province of Isernia within Italy's Molise region. Following threats made against his father by the Triple A group during the government of Isabel Perón, which occurred shortly after the birth of his sister, the family was forced into exile. They moved from Argentina to Spain between 1974 and 1975, establishing their home in Madrid when Alterio was four years old. Despite living in Spain, he preserved his Argentine identity through family customs.

Prior to embarking on an acting career, Alterio pursued various academic interests. He initially began studying biology before transitioning to history, continuing those studies for two years. He also spent time exploring photography and music before choosing to pursue dramatic performance like his father. To build his foundational acting skills, he undertook formal instruction under the guidance of Cristina Rota.

His cinematic debut occurred in 1992 with a minor role in the feature film Shooting Elizabeth, performing alongside Jeff Goldblum. He subsequently made brief appearances in additional films, including You Shall Die in Chafarinas and Mi nombre es sombra. In addition to his screen performances, Alterio engaged in theatrical work. In 1996, he collaborated with fellow actors Alberto San Juan, Guillermo Toledo, and Nathalie Poza to form the theatre ensemble Ración de oreja, a venture that later led to the establishment of the group Animalario.

During the late 1990s, Alterio secured prominent film roles under the direction of Fernando Colomo. His performances included a lead part in The Stolen Years, which earned him a nomination for the Goya Award for Best New Actor, as well as a key role in Havana Quartet.

Alterio has built a steady body of work on television in both Spain and Argentina. His television credits include a main role in the cult miniseries Vientos del agua, in which he appeared alongside his father. Additionally, he has collaborated twice with director Marcelo Piñeyro, a filmmaker who frequently casts his father in his feature projects.

In his personal life, Alterio began a relationship with actress Juana Acosta in 2003. Their partnership lasted for fifteen years, during which time they had one daughter together.