The voice actor behind Mama Coco in the Pixar Animation Studios film Coco passed away. Ana Ofelia Murguía passed away at the age of 90. The announcement of her death was announced by the Mexican National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature. The was, written in Spanish, translates to say “With deep sadness we regret the sensitive death of the first actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, who was part of the stable cast of the [National Theater Company of Mexico] and whose artistic career was vital for the performing arts of Mexico. We send condolences and warm hugs to his family and friends.”
Roberto Monroy, the Secretary of Tourism for the Mexican state of Michoacan, also released a statement on her passing. He said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, ‘Mama Coco,’ a tireless woman and example of life, who was the inspiration for this beloved character that went around the world. I pray for her eternal rest and for her family to find peace of mind.”
Murguía is known to Disney and Pixar fans as the voice of Mama Coco, the great-grandmother of the main character Miguel. In Coco, Miguel’s love of music finds him crossing to the Land of the Dead. There, he meets up with a trickster named Hector and together they discover the real story behind Miguel’s family and its connection with music. The film was a critical and financial success. It brought in over $700 million at the box office and also won two Academy Awards.
In Mexico, Murguía was considered one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Mexico Cinema. Her career spanned stage, television, and cinema. Throughout her career, she won many awards including multiple Ariel Awards. In 2011, this was capped with a special lifetime achievement Golden Ariel award.
Daps Magic expresses its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ana Ofelia Murguía.
