Little record survives of Avellaneda's early life, although he achieved notoriety in his time as a playwright.
In 1660, he is known to have been in Valladolid for the festivities surrounding the transfer of the holy image of María de la Soledad (English: "Our Lady of Solitude").
Avellaneda became known for writing smaller pieces, such as short farces, dances, loas, entremés, and the farcical puppet shows known as mojigangas.
Other, better-remembered solo works include Lo que es Madrid, Los gansos, and El niño de la Rollona.
El plenipapelier was presented in 1667 at the court of Vienna, accompanied by a Calderón play entitled Amado y aborrecido.