Renowned Mexican actress Ana Ofelia Murguia, best known for lending her voice to the character “Mama Coco” in Pixar’s acclaimed film “Coco,” has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by Mexican officials. The National Fine Arts Institute of Mexico announced her death on Sunday, though the cause was not disclosed.
Murguia’s contribution to the country’s entertainment industry was acknowledged by Culture Secretary Alejandra Frausto Guerrero, who stated, “She leaves an enormous void on our country’s sets.” Despite gaining international recognition through “Coco,” released in 2017, Murguia had a prolific career spanning Mexican film, television, and stage productions. Over the years, she participated in approximately 70 plays and 90 movies, including notable works like ‘Life Sentence’ (1979) and ‘The Queen of the Night’ (1994).
In her role in the animated film “Coco,” Murguia brought life to the gentle great-grandmother of a boy unraveling his family’s musical legacy. In April, the National Autonomous University of Mexico honored her with the Ingmar Bergman Medal for leaving an “indelible mark” on Mexican film and theater.
During her acceptance speech, Murguia, known for her humility, questioned, “Why me?” and expressed exhaustion from the numerous accolades and recognition. “This career has been my life. It has been the passion of my life. I’ve loved it,” she reflected.
Ana Ofelia Murguia’s legacy in Mexican cinema and theater remains a significant and cherished part of the country’s cultural landscape.
