Coco Star

June 10, 2025: Renée Victor, the acclaimed actress best known for voicing the stern yet loving Abuelita Elena in Pixar’s Coco and portraying Lupita in Showtime’s Weeds, passed away on May 30, 2025, at the age of 86. She died peacefully at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, surrounded by family, after battling lymphoma for several years.

A Multifaceted Career Spanning Music, Dance, and Acting

Born on July 25, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, Victor began her entertainment journey as a singer and dancer. She performed with renowned bandleaders like Xavier Cugat and Pérez Prado and later toured globally with her husband as the musical duo “Ray & Renée,” earning the nickname “the Latin Sonny & Cher.”

Transitioning into acting in the 1980s, Victor amassed a diverse portfolio of roles across television and film. She appeared in series such as ER, Matlock, The Addams Family, Gentefied, Snowpiercer, and Mayans M.C. Her film credits include The Apostle, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, and A Night in Old Mexico.

Iconic Role as Abuelita in Coco

Victor’s portrayal of Abuelita Elena in the 2017 Oscar-winning animated film Coco resonated with audiences worldwide. Her character, known for the memorable “No Music!” scene, became emblematic of the film’s exploration of family, tradition, and the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos. EW.comABC News+2AP News+2Wikipedia+2

Pixar paid tribute to Victor, stating, “We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Renée Victor, the voice of Abuelita in Coco and an incredible part of the Pixar family. We will always remember you.”

Remembered by Loved Ones and Fans

Victor is survived by her daughters, Raquel and Margo Victor. In a statement, they expressed, “Renée was loved by so many & had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.”

Her legacy endures through her extensive body of work and the indelible mark she left on the entertainment industry.