Renée Victor - the celebrated actress known worldwide for her role as the voice of Abuelita in Disney and Pixar’s Coco and for her character Lupita on Showtime’s Weeds - has died.
She was 86.
Victor passed away peacefully at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, surrounded by her family on Friday night after a battle with lymphoma, according to her agent Julie Smith and a statement from her daughters, Raquel and Margo Victor.
“Cherished by All Who Knew Her”
“Renee is perhaps best known as the voice of ‘Abuelita’ in Disney’s 2017 blockbuster Coco,” her daughters said in a heartfelt tribute, per Deadline. “Renee was loved by so many & had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.”
Pixar also paid tribute to Victor, writing in an Instagram post: “We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Renée Victor, the voice Abuelita in Coco and an incredible part of the Pixar family. We will always remember you.”
Victor’s portrayal of Abuelita became iconic, helping Coco earn two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
The film, notable for its all-Latin cast, brought Mexican traditions to global audiences and became a cultural milestone.
Victor had recently expressed excitement about Disney’s announcement of Coco 2, sharing on Instagram: “This is what we’ve all been waiting for! I’m so excited! Coco shared a Mexican tradition that is now celebrated around the world in unity.”
A Trailblazing Career in Entertainment
Born in San Antonio, Texas on July 25, 1938, Renée Victor was the eldest of three sisters. In the 1960s, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she launched a vibrant entertainment career as a singer and dancer. She worked with legendary Latin bandleaders Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado and later performed globally with her husband as the duo “Ray & Renée” — dubbed the Latin Sonny & Cher — from 1963 to 1973.
During the 1970s, Victor took to television, hosting Pacesetters on KTLA, a show that spotlighted the Chicano Power movement. Her transition to acting began after joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1973. She made early appearances in series such as Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Matlock, and Masquerade.
Her film credits include The Doctor with William Hurt, A Night in Old Mexico with close friend Robert Duvall, The Apostle, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, and Confessions of a Shopaholic. She also lent her voice to the 1992 animated series The Addams Family.
From “Weeds” to “With Love”
Victor’s career resurgence came in 2005 when she joined Weeds, portraying Lupita, the hilarious and sharp-tongued housekeeper to Mary-Louise Parker’s character.
The role endeared her to a new generation of fans and solidified her reputation as a scene-stealer.
More recently, she appeared in Vida, Gentefied, All Rise, Snowpiercer, Mayans M.C., Dead to Me, A Million Little Things, and With Love on Prime Video.
Actress and producer Gloria Calderón Kellett, who worked with Victor on With Love, offered a touching remembrance, writing on Instagram: “It’s hard to say goodbye to the incomparable Renee Victor. She brought that character to life with such warmth, sharp wit, and elegance. And let’s be honest — she had the best legs in the biz! Renee was a true pro.
"A scene-stealer. A joy. A blessing. Her artistry made everything better, and her presence made every set brighter.”
In her now poignant final Instagram post, Victor shared a post of her performing in her youth, accompanied with the caption: "Yes I’ve done things my way!"
The post has since been flooded with tributes from fans, with one person writing: "Rest well beautiful lady."
Another typed: "You’re such a beautiful soul. Miss you forever."
One friend of the star penned: "Heartbroken that we lost such a beautiful soul today. Love you so much, Renee. Heaven gained an angel. I just wish I had the chance to say goodbye."
Out thoughts go out to Victor's family, friends, and fans at this time.