Renée Victor, the talented actress whose warm voice brought the cherished character Abuelita to life in Disney’s Coco and who graced screens from Weeds to ER, has passed away at age 86 after a courageous battle with lymphoma. She died peacefully last Friday at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, surrounded by family, her agent confirmed.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1938, Victor’s life and career embodied the classic American dream: a hardworking Latina woman who rose from humble beginnings to become a respected name in entertainment—without bowing to Hollywood’s modern obsession with politics and identity.
Victor moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and initially made her mark as a singer. Alongside her husband, she formed the duo “Ray & Renée,” affectionately dubbed the “Latin Sonny and Cher.” For a decade, they performed with passion and authenticity, showcasing a vibrant culture often ignored or sanitized by mainstream media.
Victor’s career shifted to television after she hosted Pacesetters, a KTLA program highlighting the Chicano Power movement—an early testament to her dedication to her roots and community. She soon earned her Screen Actors Guild membership and steadily built a resume of diverse roles in TV and film.
Her television debut came in 1983 with a role in the soap opera Hotel, followed by appearances in popular shows like Masquerade, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, and Matlock. Victor brought depth and sincerity to each part, becoming a familiar face to audiences without relying on the liberal activist theatrics that saturate Hollywood today.
Victor’s film career included memorable performances in Salsa, The Doctor, and The Apostle. Her talent extended to voice acting as well, including a role in The Addams Family animated series.
From 2005 to 2012, Victor appeared in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Weeds as Lupita, the loyal housekeeper to Nancy Botwin. The show offered a sharp, satirical take on suburban life and morality—areas often ignored or caricatured in more politically correct fare.
Yet, it was her heartfelt role as Abuelita in Coco that cemented her place in the hearts of millions. The 2017 Disney-Pixar film was a celebration of family, tradition, and faith—values too often sidelined in today’s entertainment industry. Coco grossed over \$800 million worldwide and won two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature.
Pixar paid tribute to Victor, calling her an “incredible part of the Pixar family” and expressing heartbreak at her passing. This recognition speaks volumes about her quiet but powerful influence in an industry that often overlooks genuine talent in favor of agenda-driven casting.
Victor once said in an interview, “Acting keeps everything sharp… Memorization, blocking, wardrobe, hair, makeup, and the process of getting into your character requires constant investigation and imagination.” Her dedication to the craft reflected a work ethic grounded in discipline and respect—traits sadly lacking in today’s Hollywood.
Survived by her daughters Raquel and Margo, as well as extended family, Renée Victor leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, cultural pride, and sincere artistry. In an age where entertainment often feels like a platform for political posturing, Victor’s career reminds us that true talent and commitment never go out of style.
Her family asked that donations be made in her name to TKC Blessings, supporting scholarships for children pursuing the arts—ensuring that her passion for storytelling lives on through future generations.
Renée Victor’s life and career were a testament to hard work, cultural pride, and enduring talent. America and Hollywood would do well to remember those timeless values she embodied so gracefully.
