Born in Malaga, Abril became widely known in Spain in 1976 when she appeared in the show Un, dos, tres... responda otra vez for two years.

In addition to working in Spain, she has made films in France, Italy, and Iceland.

She has been nominated eight times for Goya Awards in the Lead Actress category and has won once.

She also won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the 41st Berlin International Film Festival for her role in Amantes.

She also tried to represent Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest 1979 with "Bang-Bang-Bang", but Betty Missiego was chosen instead.