Paco Tous

Francisco Martínez Tous (born 1 May 1964), known professionally as Paco Tous, is a Spanish actor from Andalusia, best recognized for his leading television roles as the bumbling police officer Paco in the long-running series Los hombres de Paco (2005–2010; 2021) and as the charismatic thief Moscow in the international hit Money Heist (La casa de papel, 2017–2021), as well as Bernardo in the series Zorro (2024–present).^[1][2] Born in Seville and raised in El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, Tous developed an early passion for performing arts, initially inspired by a youthful infatuation with a ballerina that led him to enroll in dance classes at the Instituto de Teatro de Sevilla.^[3] He later trained at the Instituto del Teatro de Sevilla, marking the start of his professional journey in regional theater. By the late 1980s, he had founded his own theater company, Los Ulen, where he served as actor, co-author, and producer, building a foundation in stage work before transitioning to film and television.^[3][4] Tous made his film debut in 1987 with Las dos orillas, but it was his television breakthrough in Los hombres de Paco that established him as a household name in Spain, earning him a nomination for Best Television Actor in a Leading Role at the 16th Actors and Actresses Union Awards in 2007.^[2][5] His role as Moscow in Money Heist propelled him to global fame, contributing to the series' widespread acclaim and his own nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series at the 5th Feroz Awards in 2018.^[2][5] Other notable film appearances include the thriller The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo, 2016) and a portrayal of coup leader Antonio Tejero in the historical drama 23-F: el asalto al Congreso (2011).^[2] In recognition of his cultural impact and promotion of Andalusian heritage, Tous was awarded the Medalla de Andalucía by the regional government in 2018.^[1]

Biography

Early life

Francisco Martínez Tous, professionally known as Paco Tous, was born on May 1, 1964, in Seville, Spain. His father, Antonio Martínez Sánchez, hailed from El Puerto de Santa María in Cádiz Province, where he was raised near the old bridge area before relocating to Seville for work opportunities. There, he met and married María Tous, and the couple welcomed their son Paco shortly thereafter.^[6] Although born in Seville, Tous spent his childhood primarily in El Puerto de Santa María, Andalusia, a coastal town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community life. His family maintained strong ties to the area, with Tous returning every summer to a workers' residence in Plaza del Polvorista, close to the Teatro Municipal Pedro Muñoz Seca, immersing him in the local Andalusian traditions from an early age.^[6] The town's lively atmosphere, including beach outings at La Puntilla and explorations of nearby sites like the historic Vapor Adriano III—a steamship that fascinated him as a child—fostered a deep connection to his Andalusian roots.^[6] Growing up in southern Spain, Tous experienced a blend of shyness and emerging playfulness that hinted at his future in the arts. He later recalled being "very timid as a child," to the point of feeling embarrassed even while dancing sevillanas, the traditional folk dance central to Andalusian festivities.^[7] Despite this reticence, the expressive local culture—marked by flamenco rhythms, communal gatherings, and theatrical proximity—began to nurture his comedic inclinations; he described himself as a "cómico" and "payaso" (clown), valuing the joy of performance over material rewards.^[6] These formative encounters with Andalusia's performative traditions subtly shaped his budding interest in acting, setting the stage for his later formal training.^[7]

Personal life

Paco Tous is married to Belén Candil, who also works in the audiovisual industry, and the couple has two children, a son and a daughter, though he maintains their privacy away from public view.^[8] He shares his home with a dog named Donna, reflecting a personal affinity for pets.^[8] Tous maintains strong ties to his Andalusian heritage, having been raised in the region during his youth. A devout participant in local traditions, he joined the Brotherhood of the Virgin of Hope of Macarena on April 1, 2011, in a ceremony presided over by the brotherhood's mayor hermano, Manuel García García.^[9] He is also a member of the Brotherhood of Soledad de San Buenaventura and has publicly expressed his enjoyment of Seville's Semana Santa processions, describing their carnivalesque elements and noting the unique presence of even atheist nazarenos as a hallmark of the city's culture.^[10] In July 2018, he visited the Macarena basilica to pay homage to the Virgin, underscoring his ongoing devotion.^[11] In recognition of his contributions to promoting Andalusian identity and culture, Tous received the Medal of Andalusia on February 28, 2018, during the region's Day of Andalusia celebrations at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville.^[1][12] Upon accepting the honor, he expressed profound happiness and gratitude, stating he felt "very lucky to be Andalusian" and committed to embodying Andalusian values daily.^[13][14] This regional distinction highlights his community involvement rooted in his origins, including efforts to celebrate and preserve Andalusian traditions beyond his professional life.^[15]

Career

Early career and theater

Tous received his formal acting training at the Instituto del Teatro in Seville, graduating with a degree in Dramatic Arts alongside notable peers such as Antonio Dechent and Paco León.^[16] This education immersed him in the dynamic Andalusian theater environment, where regional influences from flamenco and local storytelling traditions fostered his early passion for stage performance. In the late 1980s, Tous established the prestigious Andalusian theater company Los Ulen and the production entity BIS Producciones, taking on multifaceted roles as actor, co-author, and producer in various stage works that highlighted experimental and regional narratives.^[3] His theater career during this period emphasized ensemble-driven productions, building his reputation as a versatile performer in Spain's post-Franco cultural renaissance, though specific play titles from the era remain sparsely documented in public records. Tous transitioned to screen acting with his film debut in 1987, appearing in an uncredited role in Las dos orillas, directed by Juan Sebastián Bollaín—a drama depicting a Spanish filmmaker's encounters with Moroccan immigrants amid themes of exile and cross-cultural tension in Seville and Tangier.^[17] Throughout the 1990s, he supplemented his extensive stage commitments with minor film roles that honed his on-camera presence, such as portraying Juan's business associate (Socio de Juan) in the 1999 indie drama Solás, which portrayed working-class life in Seville. These early screen efforts, often uncredited or supporting, facilitated his gradual shift while maintaining theater as his primary focus.

Television roles

Paco Tous achieved widespread recognition in Spain through his lead role as Inspector Francisco "Paco" Miranda Ramos in the long-running police comedy-drama series Los hombres de Paco, which aired from 2005 to 2010 and returned for a revival season in 2021.^[18] In the series, Tous portrayed a bumbling yet dedicated police officer navigating chaotic cases alongside his quirky team, with his character's arc evolving from professional mishaps and romantic entanglements to themes of loyalty and redemption over 133 episodes. This role marked Tous's breakthrough in television, establishing him as a household name in Spanish media due to the show's enduring popularity and its blend of humor and drama. Tous's international profile surged with his portrayal of Agustín "Moscow" Ramos in the Netflix series Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), in 2017 (Parts 1 and 2).^[19] As the wise, former miner and father figure to fellow robber Denver, Moscow served as a moral anchor in the heist crew, contributing to the character's emotional depth through his backstory of hardship and unyielding optimism; he appeared in 22 episodes across the first two parts before his dramatic exit.^[20] The role amplified Tous's visibility amid the series' global phenomenon status, contributing to the series' global success, which amassed over 65 million viewers worldwide by 2018.^[21] In recent years, Tous took on the recurring role of Bernardo, the loyal and mute servant to the de la Vega family, in the Amazon Prime Video series Zorro (2024–present).^[22] Produced by Secuoya Studios, the Spanish-language adaptation reimagines the classic tale with Bernardo as a steadfast confidant and surrogate family member to protagonist Diego de la Vega, emphasizing themes of trust and protection in the 10-episode first season. In 2025, Tous reprised the role in season 2.^[23] This performance highlights Tous's versatility in ensemble-driven narratives, building on his established dramatic range. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Tous built his television career with supporting roles that showcased his comedic timing, such as minor appearances in episodic series before his lead breakthrough.^[2] Notable later supporting turns include Tino Colmenarejo, the affable churro vendor and camping ground fixture, in the comedy Con el culo al aire (2012–2014), spanning 39 episodes and underscoring his knack for relatable everyman characters. He also played El Chatarrero, a resourceful scrap dealer aiding the protagonists, in the crime drama miniseries Apaches (2017), contributing to its exploration of desperation and survival in six episodes.^[24] These roles illustrate Tous's progression from ensemble player to prominent figure in Spanish television.

Film roles

Paco Tous began transitioning into more prominent film roles in the mid-2000s, building on his theater and television background to portray characters in Spanish historical and genre cinema. His early film appearances often featured him in supporting capacities within ensemble casts, gradually evolving toward co-lead positions that showcased his versatility in dramatic and comedic tones. This progression highlighted his ability to convey everyday struggles and moral ambiguities, contributing to the narrative depth of several commercially successful Spanish productions. In the 2006 historical epic Alatriste, directed by Agustín Díaz Yanes, Tous played the supporting role of Maestre Fontaine, a military figure in the film's depiction of 17th-century Spain during the Eighty Years' War. The character appears in key battle sequences, including the Battle of Rocroi, where Fontaine represents the rigid hierarchy of the Spanish army under Philip IV. The film, starring Viggo Mortensen as the titular captain, earned praise for its authentic period reconstruction and large-scale action, though critics noted its somber pacing; Tous's performance added grounded authenticity to the ensemble of soldiers and officers.^[25][26] Tous's role expanded in the 2013 black comedy Here's the Deal (original title: Somos gente honrada), where he co-led as Suso, a down-on-his-luck newspaper vendor facing financial desperation alongside his friend Rafi (Miguel de Lira). The plot follows the duo after they discover a haul of cocaine while fishing, forcing them into ethical dilemmas amid Spain's economic crisis. Critics commended Tous for his nuanced portrayal of Suso's abject vulnerability and reluctant criminality, describing the performance as "well-played" and integral to the film's emotional resonance and understated humor. Directed by first-time filmmaker Alejandro Marzoa, the movie was lauded for its relatable character-driven story, marking a pivotal step in Tous's shift from supporting parts to more central, empathetic leads.^[27][28] The 2016 thriller The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo), directed by Oriol Paulo, featured Tous as the Conductor, a pivotal witness whose testimony unravels the protagonist's alibi in a locked-room murder mystery involving businessman Adrián Doria (Mario Casas). The character's courtroom account of spotting Doria's damaged car introduces crucial plot twists, enhancing the film's layered narrative of deception and revelation. Widely acclaimed for its intricate screenplay and suspenseful pacing, the movie achieved a 67% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.0/10 on IMDb, becoming one of Spain's top-grossing films of the year with over 2.5 million admissions domestically. Tous's brief but impactful appearance contributed to the ensemble's strong acting, which reviewers highlighted as a key strength in sustaining the thriller's tension.^[29][30] In the 2017 comedy Lord, Give Me Patience (Señor, dame paciencia), directed by Álvaro Díaz Lorenzo, Tous portrayed Padre Salcedo, a priest aiding the dysfunctional Olmos family during their widowed father's attempt to reconcile with his estranged children. The role infused the film's satirical take on ultraconservative values and family chaos with moments of wry guidance and comic relief. With a budget of €4 million, the movie grossed approximately $7.8 million worldwide, succeeding as a feel-good ensemble comedy that balanced humor with heartfelt themes. Tous's performance was noted for its timing in the ensemble dynamic, underscoring his growing presence in accessible, audience-pleasing Spanish cinema.^[31]

Filmography

Film

Paco Tous has appeared in numerous feature films since 1987, often in supporting roles that showcase his versatility in Spanish cinema. His film credits span drama, comedy, and thriller genres, with notable collaborations with directors like Oriol Paulo and Fernando González Molina. The following table lists his feature film roles in chronological order by release year, including title, character, and director where available. This list includes only confirmed feature films and excludes voice work or uncredited appearances unless significant. Recent releases up to 2025 reflect his ongoing career in Spanish cinema.^[2]

Television

Paco Tous made his television debut in 2005 as the lead character Paco Miranda in the Spanish comedy-drama series Los hombres de Paco (2005–2010; 2021), appearing in all 133 episodes across nine initial seasons and a tenth revival season.^[56] Tous joined the cast of the sitcom Con el culo al aire in its third season (2014), playing the lead role of Tino Colmenarejo in 15 episodes.^[57][58] He portrayed Mario in the 2015 miniseries Rabia, appearing in all six episodes of the psychological thriller.^[57] In 2016, Tous guest-starred as Father Francisco in the romantic comedy series El hombre de tu vida (season 1, 1 episode) and as Sergeant Giralda in the crime drama Víctor Ros (season 2, 4 episodes).^[57] Tous took on the recurring role of Miguel Medina in the 2017 thriller series Perdóname, Señor (season 1), appearing in 4 of the 8 episodes.^[57][59] From 2017 to 2021, he played the key supporting character Agustín "Moscú" Ramos in the Netflix global hit Money Heist (La casa de papel), appearing in 21 episodes across all five parts, primarily in seasons 1 and 2 with flashbacks in later installments.^[57] In 2018, Tous made a guest appearance as the Administrator of Teresa in the historical drama La peste (season 1, 2 episodes) and portrayed Alfredo Medina "El Chatarrero" in the Netflix miniseries Apaches (all 7 episodes).^[57] He joined the comedy series Allí abajo in its fifth and final season (2019) as Epifanio "Epi" the mayor, appearing in 10 episodes.^[57][60] In 2020, Tous guest-starred as Jesús in HBO's horror series 30 Coins (30 monedas, season 1, 4 episodes: 1, 4–6) and as Gonzalo in the medical drama Madres. Amor y vida (season 2, 9 episodes: 4–12).^[57] In 2021, besides reprising Paco Miranda in Los hombres de Paco (season 10, 16 episodes), he led the Amazon Prime miniseries Mentiras as Víctor Silva in all 6 episodes.^[57] Tous starred as Manuel Navas in the 2023 Telecinco limited series Tú también lo harías (season 1, all 6 episodes).^[57] Since 2024, he has portrayed the mute servant Bernardo in the Amazon Prime Video series Zorro (season 1, 10 episodes; ongoing).^[57] In the same year, Tous appeared as José in the Movistar+ series Operación Barrio Inglés (season 1, recurring role).^[57]

Accolades and honors

Awards

Paco Tous received the Premio Especial MiM a la Contribución Artística en la Ficción Televisiva at the 2017 MiM Series Awards, recognizing his extensive body of work in Spanish television acting, including standout roles that have shaped popular series over decades.^[61] This honor, often regarded as Spain's equivalent to the Emmys for scripted content, highlighted his versatility and impact in the medium, from comedic ensembles to dramatic portrayals.^[62] In 2021, Tous was awarded the Mejor Actor prize at the Festival de Cine y Televisión Reino de León for his leading performance as Paco Miranda in the long-running series Los hombres de Paco, celebrated for its blend of humor and authenticity that defined the show's enduring appeal.^[63] The festival, focused on Spanish audiovisual achievements, commended his portrayal as a cornerstone of national television comedy.^[64] Beyond performance-specific accolades, Tous was granted the Medalla de Andalucía in 2018 by the regional government for his broader cultural contributions through acting, underscoring his role in promoting Andalusian identity on screen.^[1]

Nominations

Paco Tous has been recognized by various Spanish film and television awards bodies for his performances, earning nominations that highlight his versatility in both leading and supporting roles. These nominations span his work in popular series and independent films, reflecting peer acknowledgment of his contributions to contemporary Spanish media. In 2007, Tous received a nomination for Best Television Actor in a Leading Role at the Spanish Actors and Actresses Union Awards for his portrayal of the titular character in the comedy series Los hombres de Paco.^[5] This recognition came during the 16th edition of the awards, underscoring his breakout performance in the long-running show. Tous was nominated for Best Male Performance at the 2014 ASECAN Awards for his role in the crime drama Somos gente honrada, a film that explored themes of economic desperation in post-crisis Spain.^[5] For his acclaimed turn as Moscow in the international hit series Money Heist, Tous earned two notable nominations. In 2018, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series at the Feroz Awards, the Spanish critics' equivalent to the Golden Globes.^[65] More recently, in 2022, Tous was nominated for Best Actor at the Premios Pávez for his performance in the short film Mesa para 3, demonstrating his continued engagement with short-form cinema.^[66]