29/06/2026 15:15 - Entretenimiento
The death of Ernestina Pais on June 26, 2026 in a tragic train accident in Martínez (a residential neighborhood in Greater Buenos Aires) shocked the Argentine entertainment world. Among the voices that joined the collective grief, Guillermina Valdés, a renowned Argentine actress and model, shared a particularly emotional story: just hours before the fatal incident, she ran into Benicio Guyot, the only son of the beloved TV host, at a hair salon.
"I saw Benicio that same day, which is why I was so shocked. I'm still coming out of the shock. I went to the hair salon and we took a photo together, and he said: 'Oh, you're going to see my mom, let's take a photo.' I sent the photo to his mother, and three hours later I found out," Valdés recounted in a phone interview with Moria Casán, a legendary Argentine actress and television personality.
Guillermina and Ernestina forged a deep friendship during the months they worked together in the theatrical production "El divorcio del año" (The Divorce of the Year), directed by José María Muscari, one of Argentina's most prominent theater directors. Although they didn't have a prior friendship, rehearsals and performances brought them together in a special way.
"I never imagined that at this point in my life, I would start a career as an actress and feel so good about it," Ernestina confided in her colleague, grateful for the opportunity to professionally reinvent herself at 54 years old.
During the play's tour, Ernestina found time for a personal project she was deeply enthusiastic about: she was writing her autobiography. Romina Gaetani, another castmate and well-known Argentine actress, revealed this detail from the Zucotti funeral home.
"She was very happy, very excited about the tour. In her free time, she would write on her computer a book about her life, nothing more and nothing less," Gaetani told TN (Todo Noticias, one of Argentina's main news channels).
Mario Pergolini, host of No preguntes por Rusia (Don't Ask About Russia) on Vorterix (a popular Argentine radio and streaming station), also spoke about the tragedy. Pergolini and Ernestina shared history since CQC (Caiga Quien Caiga), an iconic Argentine news satire and journalism program where she became, in 2009, the first and only woman to take on the role of host after his departure.
"What happened to Ernestina Pais is tremendous, a horrendous tragedy, very ugly," Pergolini expressed on air. "A beloved woman. Even in moments of misfortune, everyone wanted her to make it through," he added, referring to Ernestina's public struggles with addiction.
He then sent his condolences to Benicio Guyot: "Truly a shame. My affection goes to her son, to the people who loved her. It's tremendous."
Rocío Igarzábal, another castmate and popular Argentine actress, described the heartbreaking moments of Friday, June 26, when the cast noticed Ernestina's absence. "On Thursday we had a show in Luján (a historic town about 70 km from Buenos Aires) and we traveled together in my car. We talked about life, about things that hurt us. But we still shared laughter," she recalled.
"On Friday, we started calling her and she wouldn't answer. We were getting close to showtime. 8:15 PM, 8:20 PM we called and she didn't answer. And that's when it all began..." she recounted, visibly moved. Igarzábal emphasized that Ernestina was "extremely genuine" and that she "brought her family history into public conversation" seeking to build "something good" from her experiences.
22 years old, Ernestina's only son. Guillermina Valdés expressed: "For me it was tremendous because I had been with her son three hours earlier, giving him hugs and kisses, and I love Beni."
June 26, 2026 - Train accident in Martínez. Her Honda Civic was struck by the Tren de la Costa (Coastal Train) at the Sáenz Peña and El Cano crossing.
Wake held at Sala Alessandria (Córdoba Avenue 5084, Buenos Aires). Burial at the Actors' Pantheon in Chacarita Cemetery, the traditional resting place for Argentina's performing artists.
Guillermina Valdés chose not to attend the farewell rituals to process her grief privately. "Please know that her son can count on me," she assured, committing to support Benicio during this difficult time.
"There was something very much like teacher to student, student to teacher between us, where we taught each other. She taught me a lot about freedom, about the moment I was also going through," Valdés reflected, refusing to speak of Ernestina in the past tense: "We loved each other very much, we love each other. Sorry, I won't speak in the past because I can still feel her presence."
Ernestina Pais was one of Argentina's most beloved television personalities, known for her warmth, authenticity, and pioneering role as the first female host of CQC in 2009. Throughout her career, she worked on major Argentine television networks and became a cultural reference for her openness about personal struggles and her genuine connection with audiences. Her passing leaves a void in Argentine entertainment, but her legacy of honesty and resilience will endure through the memories of those who loved her and the millions who welcomed her into their homes.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
