Àlex Monner: From 'Polseres Vermelles' Prodigy to Acclaimed Spanish Actor

Àlex Monner, born Alejandro Monner Zubizarreta on January 27, 1995, in Barcelona, Spain, has established himself as a standout talent among the new generation of Spanish performers. Best known for his emotionally charged portrayal of Lleó in the hit Catalan TV series Polseres vermelles, the actor has steadily built a dynamic and versatile career across film, television, and theatre.


Now in his thirties, actor Àlex Monner continues to impress with compelling roles in critically acclaimed productions, earning industry accolades and a growing international fanbase.



Breakthrough Role: Polseres vermelles


Monner first caught national attention with his breakout performance as Lleó, a spirited teenager battling cancer, in the TV3 series Polseres vermelles (2011–2013). Created by Albert Espinosa and directed by Pau Freixas, the series struck a chord with audiences due to its authentic storytelling and emotional depth. Monner’s performance, portraying a young man who loses a leg to cancer, won him widespread praise and the Fotogramas Award for Best TV Actor in 2013.


The role not only launched his career but also made him a household name in Spain and among international audiences, especially after the series caught the attention of Hollywood producer Steven Spielberg, who considered adapting it for American television.



Early Film Career and Awards


Actor Àlex Monner made his film debut in "Héroes" (2010), directed by Pau Freixas, where he played Ekaitz, a nostalgic role that mirrored the innocence and complexity of adolescence. He followed this with a performance in [REC] 3: Génesis (2012), a horror film where he played Adrián.


That same year, Monner starred in "Els nens salvatges" (The Wild Ones) as Àlex, a troubled teenager navigating emotional neglect and social alienation. His performance earned him a Goya Award nomination for Best New Actor, and he won multiple honors including:

  • Gaudí Award for Best New Actor (2013)

  • Turia Award for Best New Actor (2013)

  • Biznaga de Plata for Best Cast at the Málaga Film Festival



Continued Collaboration and Diverse Roles


Monner’s artistic bond with Pau Freixas remained strong, leading to further collaborations in television, including:

  • "Cites" (2015) – the Catalan version of Dates, where Monner played Isma

  • "Sé quién eres" (2016–2017) – a gripping drama on Telecinco, notable as the first Spanish drama broadcast on BBC UK


He continued to explore complex roles in feature films like:

  • "Marsella" (2014) by Belén Macías

  • "La propera pell" (The Next Skin) (2015), where he played Gabriel, a teenager with a mysterious past — earning critical praise

  • "El cover" (2021), directed by Secun de la Rosa

  • "Centauro" (2022), a Netflix action thriller


Monner also participated in the international drama "Life Itself" (2018), directed by Dan Fogelman, expanding his reach to English-speaking audiences.



Recent Work: Netflix and Rising Global Profile


In 2021 and 2022, actor Àlex Monner joined the cast of Netflix’s global phenomenon Élite, playing Felipe Ciprian in both the spin-off "Élite: Historias breves" and Season 5 of the main series. His portrayal brought new depth to the show's complex social dynamics and introduced him to a global youth audience.



Theatre Background


Beyond the screen, Monner has maintained a passion for theatre. He starred in "Jo mai", a play by Iván Morales, which was featured in the Grec Festival (2013) and staged at Teatre Lliure (2014). His live performances further demonstrate his range and commitment to the craft of acting.



Honors and Recognition


Throughout his career, Àlex Monner has received multiple awards and nominations that highlight his consistent talent and impact:

  • Goya Award Nominee – Best New Actor (Els nens salvatges, 2012)

  • Gaudí Award Winner – Best New Actor (2013)

  • Fotogramas Award Winner – Best TV Actor (Polseres vermelles, 2013)

  • Turia Award Winner – Best New Actor (Els nens salvatges, 2013)

  • CEC Award Nominee – Best Revelation Actor (2013)



Future Prospects


As of 2025, actor Àlex Monner remains one of Spain’s most promising performers. With a solid foundation in both independent and mainstream cinema, a rising presence on global streaming platforms, and a commitment to meaningful storytelling, Monner is poised for continued success both at home and internationally.


Whether he's portraying vulnerable teenagers, morally complex young adults, or emotionally scarred heroes, Àlex Monner consistently brings depth, sincerity, and realism to his characters. His dedication to his craft ensures he will remain a key figure in Spanish and European cinema for years to come.




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