Mexican actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, renowned for giving voice to the beloved character ‘Mama Coco’ in Pixar’s animated hit ‘Coco,’ has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by Mexico’s National Fine Arts Institute.
The announcement, made on Sunday, did not disclose the cause of her death, leaving fans and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a talented and influential figure.
Voice of ‘Mama Coco’ in Pixar’s ‘Coco’ and Mexican Acting Icon
Murguía’s impact on Mexico’s cultural landscape was highlighted by Culture Secretary Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, who remarked, “She leaves an enormous void on our country’s sets.”
While her role as Mama Coco in ‘Coco’ brought her international recognition, Murguía had already carved out a distinguished career in Mexican film, television, and theater.
With a repertoire spanning approximately 70 plays and 90 movies, Murguía made significant contributions to the Mexican entertainment industry. Some notable works include ‘Life Sentence’ (1979) and ‘The Queen of the Night’ (1994). Her versatility and skill in portraying diverse characters earned her accolades and a lasting legacy in Mexican cinema.
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Remembering Ana Ofelia Murguía
In the animated masterpiece ‘Coco,’ Murguía lent her voice to the soft-spoken great-grandmother of the film’s protagonist, a boy unraveling his family’s musical history. The movie, released in 2017, became a global sensation, introducing Murguía’s talent to a new and wide-ranging audience.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico awarded Murguía the coveted Ingmar Bergman Medal in April, citing her as having made an indelible mark on Mexican theater and cinema.
Known for her humility, Murguía expressed exhaustion from the praise she received and questioned why she was selected for such recognition in her acceptance speech.
“This career has been my life,” Murguía shared in her acceptance speech. “It has been the passion of my life. I’ve loved it.” Her enduring legacy will be her commitment to her craft and the influence she left on both national and international stages.
As fans and the entertainment community mourn the loss of Ana Ofelia Murguía, her contributions to Mexican cinema and her unforgettable portrayal of Mama Coco will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who cherished her work.
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