Renée Victor, the TV and film actress behind the voice of Abuelita in Disney’s hit animated film Coco, has died at age 71.
Victor died at her California home, her family confirmed. Her cause of death was lymphoma, according to Deadline.
“Renee is perhaps best known as the voice of ‘Abuelita’ in Disney’s 2017 blockbuster Coco,” a statement from her daughters Raquel Victor and Margo Victor read, per Deadline.
“Renee was loved by so many & had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.”
In addition to winning hearts as Abuelita, Victor also gained acclaim for her arc as Lupita on Weeds. Victor appeared regularly in seasons one and two and returned at least once in nearly every other season.
Long before she was a TV and film star, Victor toured globally with her husband as “Ray & Renee” from 1963 to 1973. The duo earned the nickname “the Latin Sonny & Cher.”
Victor then transitioned to screen work, and landed roles in TV series including Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Matlock. She later appeared in a recurring role on ER as Florina Lopez, and lent her voice to the 1992 animated series The Addams Family.
Her film credits included The Doctor with William Hurt, as well asThe Apostle and A Night in Old Mexico, with Robert Duvall.
Victor most recently appeared onVida, Gentefied, All Rise, Snowpiercer, Mayans M.C., Dead to Me, A Million Little Things and With Love.
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Fans were saddened to hear the news and quickly shared tributes on social media.
“Such heartbreaking news. Renée Victor brought so much warmth and life to Abuelita in ‘Coco,’ and her presence will be dearly missed. Rest in peace,” one fan wrote on X.
“Rest in peace, Renée Victor. Your iconic voice as Abuelita in ‘Coco’ will live on,” another said.
“Thank you for giving us Abuelita. Rest in peace, Renée Victor. Your voice lives on in our hearts,” a third chimed in.
“Condolences to friends and family. Rest in piece, Abuelita. We will remember you…” someone else wrote.
