Alfonso Ussía, one of the most recognizable columnists of the Spanish press during the last decades, has died at the age of 77 in Ruiloba, Cantabria. This was confirmed by the media
In his profile on the social network X, Ussía defined himself with irony and affection: “Writer, Madrilenian, Andalusian, Basque and mountain man by vocation“. This multiplicity of identity references sums up the multifaceted character of an author who, despite the criticism he aroused in some quarters, maintained a constant presence in the public debate for more than five decades.
A legacy marked by satire and tradition
Born in 1948, Alfonso Ussía was the second son of Luis de Ussía y Gavaldá, II Count of Los Gaitanes, and María de la Asunción Muñoz-Seca y Ariza. His genealogy linked him directly to relevant figures in Spanish history and literature: he was the grandson of playwright Pedro Muñoz Seca, cousin of writer Borja Cardelús, nephew of lieutenant general Jaime Milans del Bosch, and father of novelist Alfonso J. Ussía.
Although he began his studies in Law and Journalism, he did not graduate in either degree. His vocation was soon consolidated in writing, and his professional beginnings took place in the newspaper Informaciones, under the direction of Jesús de la Serna and with Juan Luis Cebrián as deputy director. Later, he would become one of the emblematic names of the ABC newspaper.
Presence in print, radio and television media
During his career, Ussía collaborated with various media, both print and audiovisual. He participated as a columnist in
In the audiovisual field, he had an outstanding presence in radio and television. He participated in programs such as Protagonistas and La Brújula, both on Onda Cero, and in the Telecinco program Este país necesita un repaso, where he shared a table with names such as Antonio Mingote, Antonio Ozores, Chumy Chúmez, Luis Sánchez Polack (Tip), José Luis Coll and Miguel Durán.
He was also the creator of the television series El marqués de Sotoancho ( 2000) and Puerta con puerta ( 1999), the latter based on the comic contrasts of coexistence between neighbors.
Writer of satire and good humor
His literary production focused mainly on humor and social criticism, with a sharp and recognizable style. Among his best known works are Tratado de las buenas maneras and Manual del ecologista coñazo, books in which he deployed his ironic vision of the contemporary world, especially in relation to political correctness, environmentalism or changes in social customs.
Recognition for an extensive career
Alfonso Ussía ‘s career was recognized with numerous awards and official distinctions. Among them are the Mariano de Cavia journalism award, the gold medal of the Community of Madrid, the Gran Cruz del Mérito Naval with white badge and the Gran Cruz de la Orden del Dos de Mayo.
A farewell dictated to the last breath
The obituary published in El Debate has revealed a significant detail about his last days: “Ussía wanted to participate in the public conversation until the end, dictating to his daughter Isabel until he was speechless, when his illness prevented him from typing“. This gesture, more than symbolic, illustrates the writer’s absolute dedication to his craft, even in the final moments of his life.
His last column, dedicated to Miguel Gila, was published the Tuesday before his death. A tribute from humorist to humorist, from writer to popular storyteller, in which Ussía showed that, despite the fragility of his health, he kept intact his critical eye and his particular sense of humor.
Alfonso Ussía bids farewell leaving behind a wide-ranging, polemic work, faithful to his style, where satire and tradition coexisted with an opinion journalism that left no one indifferent.
