Ana Ofelia Murguia, who played Mama Coco in Disney’s Oscar-winning animation motion picture Coco, passed away at 90. Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature announced her death on Monday. On X, the institute wrote, “With deep sadness we regret the sensitive death of the first actress Ana Ofelia Murguia, who was part of the stable cast of the @CNTeatromx del #INBAL and whose artistic career was vital for the performing arts of Mexico. We send condolences and warm hugs to her family and friends.”
Murguia, who was born in Mexico in 1933, worked in films and television for nearly 40 years throughout the golden period of Mexican cinema. In 2011, she was awarded the Golden Ariel lifetime achievement award, the highest accolade bestowed by the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Science. She also received the Ariel Award for best supporting actress in 1979, 1986, and 1996. Murguia’s filmography includes the roles in The Queen of the Night (1994) and Nobody Will Speak of Us When We’re Dead (1995).
More on Coco:
Coco follows the narrative of Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez), an aspiring singer who must overcome his family’s anti-music beliefs. On the Day of the Dead, he travels to the Land of the Dead and meets his ancestor, a great singer. In the end, Murguia’s Coco performs the Oscar-winning song Remember Me alongside Miguel in commemoration of her father. In 2018, Coco was also nominated for an Academy Award for the best animated movie.
