Bringing together the president of a bank and a theater actress might seem surprising, primarily nearly 40 years ago. This is the story of Cristina Llorente, now an acclaimed actress performing in Spain’s top theaters, known for her roles in The Lion King, Ghost, and Pretty Woman.

Cristina recalls her encounter as a nine-year-old with one of Spain’s most prominent bankers. Out of 250 children who participated in a theater production at a Valladolid school, she and the other lead actress were chosen to travel to Madrid. Accompanied by the producers, they presented their artistic project to Luis Valls, the renowned banker from Barcelona.

She recounts the experience through the eyes of the little girl she was, describing how Valls treated her with warmth and charm, connecting with the children from the very beginning. He gave them a tour of the building, showing them the kitchens and library, encouraging them to keep reading, and even letting them choose a book as a gift. She still marvels at the memory, describing how they spoke to him about their dreams and the theater, “as casually as I would talk to my uncle or one of my father’s friends.”

The actress deeply values Valls’ support to the producers at the time and acknowledges that perhaps, thanks to that boost, she became a professional actress. Cristina highlights Valls’ immense generosity and his desire to help others, calling him “wonderful.”

She remains profoundly grateful—not only for the impact on her life but also for his support of the performing arts, something far removed from a banker’s usual domain.

If Cristina had the chance to meet Luis Valls again today, she says with her radiant smile:
“Do you remember that nine-year-old girl who dreamed of becoming an actress and whose producers asked you for support for new projects? Well, thank you, because I made it.”