Spanish actress Penélope Cruz has spoken publicly for the first time about the serious health issues she faced while working on the film Black Ball, which premiered this year at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, the film received the award for Best Director.

During a press conference, the 52-year-old star revealed that doctors had diagnosed her with a brain aneurysm shortly before filming began. An aneurysm is an abnormal widening of a blood vessel caused by weakened vessel walls, which can potentially lead to a hemorrhage or stroke.

According to Cruz, the news came as a devastating shock.

«Just as we were preparing to head to the set, I was told, «You have a brain aneurysm». I thought I was going to die at any moment. It all felt completely surreal», the actress shared.

Despite the diagnosis, production was not halted. The very next day, doctors cleared Cruz to return to work, where she was playing a cabaret singer.

The actress also expressed gratitude to the film crew for their support during such a challenging time. According to Cruz, it was her colleagues who helped her cope with the fear and get through the ordeal.

Photo: Instagram @penelopecruzoficial