- The popular voice actress, best known for voicing favorite character Mama Coco in Disney's 2017 hit film Coco, has died at the age of 90
- The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (NIFA) announced the devastating news on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday
- Her cause of death has not been revealed but has already sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media as fans mourn the legendary artist in droves
Popular voice actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, best known for her voice of favorite character Mama Coco in Disney-Pixar's 2017 hit film Coco, has died at the age of 90.
The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (NIFA) announced the devastating news on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday.
“It is with deep sadness that we regret the sensitive death of the leading actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, who was part of the stable cast of the @CNTeatromx of #INBAL and whose artistic career was crucial for the performing arts of Mexico,” NIFA revealed.
The organization concluded: “We extend our condolences and lovingly embrace her family and friends.”
Rest in peace: Beloved voice actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, best known for voicing favorite character Mama Coco in Disney's 2017 hit film Coco, has died at the age of 90 (pictured September 2022)
Cult film: She played Mama Coco in Disney-Pixar's animated comedy Coco about a Mexican boy who travels to the land of the dead to learn about his family's past
Deceased: The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (NIFA) announced the devastating news on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday
Her cause of death has not been revealed but has already sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media as fans mourn the legendary artist in droves.
Murguía, who was born in Mexico, is best known for the 2017 Disney-Pixar animated film Coco, as well as for her roles in The Queen of the Night (1994) as Doña Victoria and as Doña Amelia in Nobody Will Speak of Us When We're Dead (1995).
Disney-Pixar's animated musical comedy “Coco” follows a Mexican boy who dreams of becoming a musician and travels to the Land of the Dead to learn more about his family's past.
It is based on the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead.
Over the course of her career, she has been nominated for five Ariel Awards for Best Actress and received “a medal in recognition of her contributions to the industry” in April 2023, according to The Sun.
Last year, Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, a Mexican woman who reportedly served as the inspiration for “Mama Coco,” died at the age of 109.
The tourism minister of the Mexican state of Michoacan, Roberto Monroy, confirmed her death.
Monroy remembered the legend as a “tireless woman and role model for life” and revealed that Caballero died in Santa Fe de la Laguna, the same city where she was born more than a century ago.
“It is with deep sadness that we regret the sensitive death of the leading actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, who was part of the stable cast of the @CNTeatromx of #INBAL and whose artistic career was crucial for the performing arts of Mexico,” NIFA revealed
The organization concluded: “We extend our condolences and lovingly embrace her family and friends.”
Her cause of death has not been revealed but has already sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media as fans mourn the legendary artist in droves
He said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened by the death of Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, “Mama Coco,” a tireless woman and role model of life who was the inspiration for this beloved figure who traveled the world.”
“I pray for her eternal rest and that her family finds inner peace.”
She was nicknamed “Mama Coco” after the character of the same name that inspired her in the cartoon.
Disney had never officially admitted that Caballero was the inspiration for the beloved character, but her family claims that a team from Pixar visited their area, photographed them extensively and even lived with them for a time.
Her family had campaigned for her to be recognized as the inspiration for “Mama Coco” since the film's release in 2017, but was unsuccessful.
Caballero was a clay artisan who made pots, among other items, and sold them to locals.