Hispanic Actresses You Might Not Know Have Passed Away

The entertainment industry has been shaped by the immense talent and charisma of Hispanic actresses who left an indelible mark on cinema and television. From the Golden Age of Mexican cinema to modern Hollywood blockbusters, these women captivated audiences with their dramatic range and comedic timing. Many of these performers broke barriers for Latin representation on screen and paved the way for future generations. While their legacies continue to thrive through their work, some fans may not realize that these beloved icons are no longer with us. This list honors their contributions and remembers the remarkable lives they led.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch became an international cinema icon after her breakout role in ‘One Million Years B.C.’ featured her in a legendary doe-skin bikini. She starred in major films such as ‘Fantastic Voyage’ and later won a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘The Three Musketeers’. Born Jo Raquel Tejada to a Bolivian father, she eventually embraced her heritage and became a symbol of beauty and strength. Her career spanned over five decades and included successful ventures into business and fitness before she passed away in 2023. Welch remains a definitive figure in Hollywood history for her commanding screen presence.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera achieved global stardom for her portrayal of Santana Lopez on the musical comedy-drama ‘Glee’. Her character became a significant figure for LGBTQ+ representation and showcased Rivera’s exceptional vocal and acting talents. She started her career as a child model and actress appearing in sitcoms like ‘The Royal Family’ alongside Eddie Murphy. Tragically, she died in an accidental drowning at Lake Piru in 2020 at the age of 33. Her legacy lives on through her impactful work and the charitable contributions she made during her life.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña was a versatile actress known for her work in both independent films and major Hollywood productions. She delivered memorable performances in movies such as ‘La Bamba’, ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, and ‘Lone Star’. Her voice work as Mirage in the animated hit ‘The Incredibles’ introduced her to a new generation of fans. Peña also directed television episodes and advocated for better roles for Latinas in the industry. She passed away in 2014 from cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 55.

Lupe Ontiveros

Lupe Ontiveros was a prolific character actress who estimated that she played a maid more than 150 times in her career. She brought dignity and depth to every role she inhabited in films like ‘Real Women Have Curves’ and ‘As Good as It Gets’. Her portrayal of Yolanda Saldívar in the biopic ‘Selena’ remains one of her most chilling and praised performances. Ontiveros was a fierce advocate for the Latino community and fought against stereotypes in casting. She died of liver cancer in 2012, leaving behind a vast body of work.

Katy Jurado

Katy Jurado was a legend of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and became one of the first Latin American actresses to succeed in Hollywood. She won a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘High Noon’ and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Broken Lance’. Jurado often played complex and strong-willed characters that defied the typical typecasting of her era. Her filmography includes western classics and dramatic roles in both Mexico and the United States. She died in 2002 at her home in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

Lupe Vélez

Lupe Vélez was known as the “Mexican Spitfire” and became one of the first Latin American stars in the United States. She possessed great comedic talent and starred in a successful series of films carrying her nickname during the 1930s and 1940s. Vélez began her career in vaudeville and silent films before transitioning effortlessly to talkies. Her life was often the subject of tabloid sensation due to her high-profile romances and fiery personality. She died by suicide in 1944 at the young age of 36.

Carmen Miranda

Carmen Miranda was a Portuguese-born Brazilian singer and actress who became the highest-paid woman in the United States in the 1940s. Famous for her signature fruit hat and energetic performances, she starred in films like ‘The Gang’s All Here’. She helped popularize samba music internationally and became a cultural icon of the era. Despite her colorful public persona, she faced exhaustion and health struggles behind the scenes. Miranda died of a heart attack in 1955 shortly after completing a television performance.

Dolores del Río

Dolores del Río was the first major female Latin American crossover star in Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s. She possessed an elegant beauty that made her a favorite in silent films and early talkies like ‘Flying Down to Rio’. After returning to Mexico, she became a key figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema with films like ‘Maria Candelaria’. Her career spanned more than 50 years and she is regarded as one of the most important actresses in Mexican history. She passed away from liver failure in 1983.

María Félix

María Félix was known as “La Doña” and stands as one of the most iconic figures in Mexican cinema. She commanded the screen with her strong personality and refused to learn English, choosing to make films primarily in Mexico and Europe. Her most famous works include ‘Enamorada’ and ‘Doña Bárbara’ where she played powerful women. Félix became a symbol of Mexican national identity and female empowerment. She died in her sleep in 2002 on her 88th birthday.

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth was one of the top glamorous stars of the 1940s and a legendary pin-up girl during World War II. Born Margarita Carmen Cansino to a Spanish father, she had to alter her appearance to fit Hollywood standards of the time. She starred in classic films noir such as ‘Gilda’ and musicals like ‘Cover Girl’ alongside Gene Kelly. Hayworth struggled with the public’s perception of her love life and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease later in life. She passed away from complications of the disease in 1987.

Lisa Loring

Lisa Loring is best remembered for bringing the character of Wednesday Addams to life in the original ‘The Addams Family’ sitcom. Her portrayal established the deadpan demeanor and unique dance moves associated with the character today. Born in the Marshall Islands to a Latina mother, she began modeling at a very young age. Loring continued to act in soap operas like ‘As the World Turns’ during the 1980s. She died following a stroke in 2023 at the age of 64.

Linda Cristal

Linda Cristal was an Argentine actress who gained fame in American westerns and comedy series. She won a Golden Globe for her role as Victoria Cannon in the popular TV western ‘The High Chaparral’. Her film credits include ‘The Alamo’ alongside John Wayne and the comedy ‘Mr. Majestyk’. Cristal was known for her beauty and ability to play strong female leads in male-dominated genres. She passed away in her sleep in 2020 at the age of 89.

Edith González

Edith González was a beloved Mexican actress and dancer who starred in numerous successful telenovelas. She gained international recognition for her lead roles in ‘Corazón Salvaje’ and ‘Doña Bárbara’. González began her acting career as a child and remained a constant presence on television for decades. She bravely battled ovarian cancer for several years while continuing to work and advocate for cancer awareness. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 54.

Christian Bach

Christian Bach was an Argentine-Mexican actress and producer known for her sophisticated villains and strong protagonists in telenovelas. She starred in hits like ‘Bodas de odio’ and ‘La Chacala’ which she also produced with her husband Humberto Zurita. Bach was a major figure in the Mexican entertainment industry and influenced the production quality of soap operas. She retired from the public eye due to health issues in her later years. She died of respiratory arrest in 2019.

Carmen Salinas

Carmen Salinas was a prominent Mexican actress, producer, and politician with a career lasting over six decades. She appeared in over 100 films and telenovelas, often playing the role of a motherly figure or a street-smart woman. She gained massive popularity for her role in the theater production ‘Aventurera’ which she produced for many years. Salinas was also known for her candid interactions with the press and her social media presence. She passed away in 2021 after suffering a stroke.

Isela Vega

Isela Vega was a fearless Mexican actress and filmmaker who challenged censorship and social norms throughout her career. She became a sex symbol in the 1960s and starred in the cult classic ‘Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia’. Vega transitioned into playing matriarchal roles in telenovelas and films like ‘La ley de Herodes’ in her later years. She was the first Latin American woman to appear in the US edition of ‘Playboy’ magazine. Vega died of cancer in 2021.

Helena Rojo

Helena Rojo was a leading actress in Mexican cinema and television known for her elegance and dramatic range. She worked with international directors like Werner Herzog in the acclaimed film ‘Aguirre, the Wrath of God’. In Mexico, she became a television staple, starring in classic telenovelas such as ‘El privilegio de amar’. Her career was marked by numerous awards for her acting excellence in both film and theater. Rojo passed away in February 2024 after a battle with liver cancer.

Sasha Montenegro

Sasha Montenegro was a star of the “Cine de Ficheras” genre in Mexico during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Italy to a Yugoslav family and raised in Argentina, she moved to Mexico and became one of its most famous vedettes and actresses. She starred in films like ‘Bellas de noche’ and later appeared in various telenovelas. Montenegro was also known for her high-profile marriage to a former Mexican president. She died in February 2024 following a stroke.

Rebecca Jones

Rebecca Jones was a highly respected Mexican actress and producer who starred in some of the most successful telenovelas in history. She is remembered for her antagonist role in ‘Cuna de lobos’ and her lead performance in ‘Imperio de cristal’. Jones was admired for her intense acting style and her work in theater productions. She survived ovarian cancer initially but faced health struggles that led to her passing in 2023. Her final television appearance was filmed shortly before her death.

Susana Dosamantes

Susana Dosamantes was a dignified Mexican actress and the mother of pop star Paulina Rubio. She made her film debut in the classic ‘Remolino’ and appeared in Hollywood films like ‘Rio Lobo’ with John Wayne. Dosamantes had a long career in telenovelas, often playing elegant and commanding women. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer late in life and sought treatment in Miami. She passed away in 2022 at the age of 74.

Lorena Rojas

Lorena Rojas was a talented Mexican actress and singer best known for her leading roles in telenovelas produced by Telemundo and TV Azteca. She gained international fame for her performance in ‘El Cuerpo del Deseo’ which aired in many countries. Rojas also released musical albums and appeared in theater productions during her career. She fought a public battle with breast cancer that eventually metastasized to her liver. She died in 2015 just days after her 44th birthday.

Mariana Levy

Mariana Levy was a charming Mexican actress and singer who was part of the pop group Fresas con Crema. She became a television favorite with her roles in telenovelas like ‘La pícara soñadora’ and ‘Amor real’. Levy was known for her sweet demeanor and was the daughter of television host Talina Fernández. Her death was sudden and tragic, occurring after a frightened reaction to a potential mugging induced a heart attack. She died in 2005 at the young age of 39.

Karla Álvarez

Karla Álvarez was a Mexican actress famous for playing villains and antagonistic roles in telenovelas. She gained recognition early in her career for her role in ‘María Mercedes’ alongside Thalía. Her intense performances made her a memorable figure in dramas like ‘La mentira’ and ‘Heridas de amor’. Álvarez struggled with personal health issues that were often the subject of media speculation. She was found dead in her apartment in 2013 due to respiratory failure.

Mónica Spear

Mónica Spear was a Venezuelan actress and beauty queen who won Miss Venezuela in 2004. She transitioned successfully into acting and starred in popular telenovelas such as ‘Pasión prohibida’ and ‘La mujer perfecta’. Spear was admired for her humanitarian work and her dedication to helping children with special needs. She and her ex-husband were tragically murdered during a robbery while vacationing in Venezuela in 2014. Her death sparked a massive public outcry regarding safety in the country.

Silvia Derbez

Silvia Derbez was a legendary Mexican actress and the matriarch of the famous Derbez acting family. She competed in the first Miss Mexico pageant and went on to become a pioneer of the telenovela format. Her starring role in ‘Senda prohibida’, the first Mexican telenovela, secured her place in television history. Derbez continued to act into her later years in shows like ‘La usurpadora’. She passed away in 2002 from lung cancer.

Evita Muñoz “Chachita”

Evita Muñoz, affectionately known as “Chachita”, began her career as a child prodigy during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. She is most famous for starring alongside Pedro Infante in the ‘Nosotros los Pobres’ trilogy. Her career spanned more than 70 years, successfully transitioning from child star to respected adult actress in film and television. She was known for her comedic timing and dramatic ability. Muñoz died in 2016 from complications of pneumonia.

Libertad Lamarque

Libertad Lamarque was an Argentine actress and singer who became one of the biggest stars in Latin America. She left Argentina for Mexico in the 1940s and revitalized her career, starring in numerous films and telenovelas. Known as “La Novia de América,” she was famous for her melodramatic roles and tango singing. She holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career of an actress, working until her death. Lamarque passed away in 2000 at the age of 92 while filming a telenovela.

Margo

Margo, born María Marguerita Guadalupe Teresa Estela Bolado Castilla y O’Donnell, was a Mexican-American actress and dancer. She appeared in the classic film ‘Lost Horizon’ and ‘The Leopard Man’. Margo was married to actor Eddie Albert and was a blacklisted artist during the McCarthy era due to her progressive views. She founded Plaza de la Raza, a cultural arts center in East Los Angeles, to promote arts education. She passed away in 1985 from brain cancer.

Pina Pellicer

Pina Pellicer was a Mexican actress known for her fragile beauty and immense talent in her short career. She starred alongside Marlon Brando in the Hollywood film ‘One-Eyed Jacks’ and received critical acclaim. In Mexico, she is remembered for her role in the classic ‘Macario’, the first Mexican film nominated for an Oscar. Pellicer struggled with depression and the pressures of stardom. She died by suicide in 1964 at the age of 30.

Rosita Quintana

Rosita Quintana was an Argentine-Mexican actress and singer who was a major figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. She starred in films like ‘Calabacitas tiernas’ alongside Tin Tan and displayed excellent comedic skills. Quintana was also a talented ranchera singer and recorded several albums throughout her career. She received the Ariel Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2016 for her contributions to film. She passed away in 2021 after several health complications.

Meche Barba

Meche Barba was a Mexican film actress and dancer known as the “Mexican Venus” for her rumbera roles. She specialized in the “Cine de Rumberas” genre, playing complex characters in films like ‘Humo en los ojos’. Barba retired from films young but made a successful comeback in television decades later. She appeared in popular telenovelas such as ‘María la del Barrio’ and ‘Rosalinda’. She passed away in 2000 from emphysema.

Ninón Sevilla

Ninón Sevilla was a Cuban-born actress and dancer who became a superstar of Mexican cinema’s rumbera genre. Her film ‘Aventurera’ is considered a masterpiece of the genre and solidified her status as a screen legend. Sevilla was known for her expressive eyes and Afro-Cuban dance movements. She enjoyed a career revival in her later years playing comedic grandmothers in telenovelas. She died in 2015 at the age of 93.

Alma Muriel

Alma Muriel was a Mexican actress celebrated for her portrayals of villains in film and television. She possessed a commanding presence that made her memorable in telenovelas like ‘El extraño retorno de Diana Salazar’. Muriel also had a successful career in theater and directed several productions. She was known for her intense acting style and distinct voice. She died of a heart attack in 2014 at her home in Playa del Carmen.

Magda Guzmán

Magda Guzmán was a prolific Mexican actress with a career that spanned nearly eight decades in film, theater, and television. She appeared in ‘The Bullfighter and the Lady’ and was a pioneer of early television drama. Guzmán acted alongside legends like Pedro Infante and remained active in telenovelas until shortly before her death. She is remembered for her roles in ‘La usurpadora’ and ‘Amor bravío’. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 83.

Leonorilda Ochoa

Leonorilda Ochoa was a Mexican actress and comedian best known for her role in the sitcom ‘Los Beverly de Peralvillo’. She had a natural talent for comedy and endeared herself to audiences with her down-to-earth characters. Ochoa worked extensively in television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In her final years, she battled Alzheimer’s disease which forced her retirement from the industry. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 76.

Ana Ofelia Murguía

Ana Ofelia Murguía was a highly decorated Mexican actress of film, theater, and television. She is perhaps best known internationally as the voice of Mama Coco in the Disney-Pixar film ‘Coco’. Murguía won the Golden Ariel award for her lifetime contributions to the Mexican film industry. Her career was defined by her ability to play diverse and complex characters with great subtlety. She passed away in December 2023 at the age of 90.

Sonia Infante

Sonia Infante was a Mexican actress and producer, and the niece of the legendary Pedro Infante. She appeared in more than 50 films including ‘Toña Machetes’ and ‘Por tu maldito amor’. Infante was known for her strong character roles and her work as a film producer in the 1980s. She retired from the entertainment industry in her later years to focus on her health. She died in 2019 following a long illness.

Lilia Prado

Lilia Prado was a Mexican actress and sex symbol who is famously associated with the films of director Luis Buñuel. She starred in Buñuel’s ‘Subida al cielo’ and ‘La ilusión viajar en tranvía’, gaining international recognition. Her image was celebrated for its sensuality and she became an icon of the 1950s Mexican cinema. Prado continued to work in telenovelas and films well into the 1980s. She passed away in 2006 from kidney failure.

Columba Domínguez

Columba Domínguez was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and a muse to director Emilio Fernández. She starred in the acclaimed film ‘Pueblerina’ and was known for her strong, indigenous features and dramatic intensity. Domínguez also explored painting and other arts during her life. She received the Golden Ariel in 2013 for her lifetime achievements in the film industry. She died in 2014 at the age of 85.

Rita Macedo

Rita Macedo was a Mexican actress who worked with major directors like Luis Buñuel on ‘The Criminal Life of Archibaldo de la Cruz’. She won an Ariel Award for her performance in ‘Rosenda’ and had a prolific career in theater. Macedo was also a screenwriter and contributed to the development of Mexican television scripts. She was the mother of producer Luis de Llano and actress Julissa. She passed away in 1993.

Andrea Palma

Andrea Palma is considered the first diva of Mexican cinema following her role in ‘La mujer del puerto’. Her performance established the “fallen woman” archetype that would dominate Mexican melodramas for years. She transitioned into character roles later in her career, often playing elegant aristocrats. Palma worked in Hollywood, Mexico, and Spain throughout her long career. She passed away in 1987.

Chelo Alonso

Chelo Alonso was a Cuban actress who became a star of Italian “sword and sandal” peplum films in the 1960s. Known for her dance skills and striking beauty, she appeared in movies like ‘Goliath and the Barbarians’. She married an Italian producer and settled in Italy, eventually leaving the film industry to run a hotel and breeding farm. Alonso gained a cult following years later for her unique contribution to European cinema. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 85.

Let us know in the comments which of these legendary actresses you remember most fondly or which performance left the biggest impact on you.