Renée Victor, the acclaimed actress known for her unforgettable roles in Weeds and Disney-Pixar’s Coco,has died at age 86. She passed away peacefully at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, on Friday, surrounded by her family.
The cause was lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
Victor’s career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both television and film. She gained wide recognition for playing Lupita, the blunt and beloved housekeeper on Showtime’s Weeds. But her most iconic performance came as the voice of Abuelita in Coco 2017, the Oscar-winning animated film that touched hearts around the globe.
In a joint statement, her daughters Raquel and Margo paid tribute to their mother’s legacy,“Renée was loved by so many & had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.”
News of Victor’s death prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance on social media.
Many fans recalled her warmth and strength as Abuelita, with one writing, “RIP Renée, you are in a wonderful place now.” Others noted the poignancy of her passing just months after Disney announced Coco 2, set to release in 2029. Fans are already calling for a tribute to Victor in the sequel.
Pixar released a heartfelt message on Instagram, “We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Renée Victor, the voice of Abuelita in Coco and an incredible part of the Pixar family.
We will always remember you.”
Director Lee Unkrich, who helmed *Coco*, also shared his grief, “She was enormously proud of her role in Coco. This is so sad. I’m absolutely gutted.” His tribute was echoed by colleagues, friends, and fans expressing sorrow and gratitude for Victor’s work.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 25, 1938, Victor moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s and began her acting career in earnest in the 1980s.
She appeared on popular TV shows like Hotel, Matlock, That’s Life, and voiced characters in the 1992 animated Addams Family series. Her versatility shone through roles in comedies, dramas, and even horror, including Paranormal Activity, The Marked Ones.
In later years, she continued to captivate audiences with roles in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and other television appearances, always bringing passion, depth, and authenticity to her performances.
Renée Victor’s passing marks the end of an era for fans who admired her commanding screen presence and distinctive voice. Though gone, her legacy lives on through the characters she brought to life and the stories she helped tell especially in the beloved world of Coco, where family, memory, and love never fade.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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