Ana Ofelia Murguia, the revered Mexican actor known for lending her voice to Mama Coco in Disney’s Oscar-winning film Coco, has peacefully passed away at the age of 90 on December 31, 2023. The sad news was shared by Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature on Monday, paying tribute to her invaluable contributions to Mexican performing arts.
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Ana Ofelia Murguia Golden Ariel Award Winner’s Illustrious Career
Born in Mexico in 1933, Murguia’s illustrious career spanned over 40 years, leaving an indelible mark on both movies and television during the golden age of Mexican cinema. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she received the prestigious Golden Ariel lifetime achievement award from the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Science in 2011. Her accolades also include three Ariel awards for best supporting actress in 1979, 1986, and 1996.
Legacy in Disney’s Coco
In the world of animation, Ana Ofelia Murguia’s legacy resonates through her portrayal of Mama Coco in Disney’s Coco. The film, which tells the story of Miguel, an aspiring musician challenging his family’s prejudices against music, received widespread acclaim. At the heart of Coco, Murguia’s character, Mama Coco, played a pivotal role, singing the Oscar-winning song “Remember Me” alongside Miguel in a poignant scene paying tribute to her father.
Remembering Ana Ofelia Murguia’s Contribution to Coco
“Coco,” an Oscar-winning animated feature, follows the story of Miguel, an aspiring musician navigating familial prejudices against music. In the Land of the Dead, he encounters his ancestor, a legendary singer embodied by Murguia’s poignant voice as Mama Coco. The climax features the emotionally resonant song “Remember Me,” for which the film received an Academy Award for Best Animated Film in 2018.