Chilean television and theatre icon Luz Jiménez has spoken publicly about her absence from the small screen in recent years, stating that she has not been called for television roles despite her long-standing career in the industry. In an interview with BioBioChile published on April 25, 2026, the 91-year-old actress said she was not included in casting decisions following the closure of TVN’s drama department, a shift that has left many veteran performers without work in the televisual medium.
Jiménez, whose career spans more than six decades, emphasized that she continues to remain active through theatre, currently promoting the play “Las Aristócratas” by Felipe Zambrano. The production, which premiered recently, features an ensemble cast including Pascale Zelaya, Sigrid Alegría, Tamara Ferreira, Claudia Pérez and Daniela Gala. Speaking about her role in the play, Jiménez described it as a “gift” at her age, highlighting the creative freedom theatre offers compared to television.
The actress reflected on her historical significance in Chilean television, recalling her performances in popular telenovelas such as “Romané,” “La Fiera,” and “Pampa Ilusión.” Despite her legacy, she noted that she has not received invitations to participate in recent productions since TVN restructured its dramatic area. “Nunca me llamaron ni me incluyeron en los repartos,” Jiménez stated directly, explaining that this exclusion is not due to a lack of interest but rather a systemic shift in casting practices.
She as well revealed that while she was offered a role in the telenovela “Iorana,” she ultimately did not participate in the project. Jiménez did not elaborate on the reasons behind her decision not to join the cast, but affirmed that her preference remains with stage work, where she feels greater artistic autonomy.
Beyond her professional life, Jiménez recently resolved a long-standing legal matter concerning a property in Chiloé. In October 2025, the Punta Arenas Court of Appeals upheld a ruling in her favor after a 25-year dispute over illegal occupation of a house she purchased in 2000 during the height of her fame from “La Fiera.” The court confirmed her ownership and ordered the eviction of occupants who had claimed ownership themselves, a case Jiménez described as a relief after decades of litigation.
Jiménez’s continued presence in theatre at the age of 91 stands as a testament to her enduring passion for performance. While she acknowledges the changes in the television landscape, she remains committed to artistic expression through live performance, valuing the direct connection with audiences that theatre provides.
As of now, there are no announced plans for Jiménez to return to television, and she has not indicated interest in pursuing televisual roles unless invited through formal casting processes. Her focus remains on theatre projects that align with her artistic values and allow her to contribute meaningfully to Chilean culture.
For updates on Luz Jiménez’s upcoming theatre appearances or public engagements, audiences are encouraged to follow official announcements from producing companies such as Teatro Biobío or the production team behind “Las Aristócratas.”
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