(CNN Spanish) – Mexican actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, known, among other things, for her role in the film “Coco,” died this Sunday at the age of 90, the Mexican Ministry of Culture announced in a statement.
Mexican Culture Minister Alejandra Frausto noted that Murguía's death leaves “a big void” on the country's stages, according to the press release.
In “Coco,” the 2017 animated film produced by Disney and Pixar, Murguía gave voice to the character that gives its name to the film, which tells the adventures of Miguel, a Mexican boy, during the traditional Day of the Dead in the country.
The film, which received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Mexican culture, won the 2018 Oscar for Best Animated Film.
In the film, Murguía plays Mama Coco, the character after whom the film is named and who, along with Miguel, her great-grandson, stars in one of the most important moments in the plot.
The actress made her debut in 1954 in a production based on the play “The Crucible” by American playwright Arthur Miller. Throughout his career, he appeared in dozens of films directed by directors such as Juan Humberto Hermosillo, Felipe Cazals and David Lynch.
After his death, the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature said in its profile on X, formerly Twitter, that Murguía's career was “vital to the performing arts in Mexico.”
The interpreter belonged to the Mexican Academy of Film Arts and Sciences and was an honorary member of the Spanish Film Academy, authorities added.
The Mexican government announced that it would hold a tribute in memory of the actress on January 26 at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.