Award-winning actress and trailblazer
In an ongoing pouring of reactions to the death of acclaimed actress and an American Latina Icon, the National Hispanic Media Coalition pays tribute to Lupe Ontiveros.
The NHMC mourns the death of our dear friend Lupe Ontiveros, an award-winning actress, producer, trailblazer, and activist for Latino actors across the country. Ontiveros passed away at the age of 69 after a battle with cancer.
Ontiveros’ prolific career began on the stage where she starred in Zoot Suit, the first ever Mexican-American production on Broadway and was a founding member of The Latino Theater Company in Los Angeles. Over the course of her career, she had memorable roles in a number of films such as El Norte, As Good As It Gets, Selena, and Real Women Have Curves. She has also appeared on television in a number of popular series such as Desperate Housewives, Greetings From Tucson, and Rob!. Ontiveros was awarded NHMC’s Lifetime Achievement Impact Award in 2002.
“Lupe was a dear friend. She worked tirelessly to perfect her craft and open doors for countless Latinos along the way. Hollywood never gave her the lead role, but in our hearts she will be remembered as our leading lady. She will be deeply missed by all of us,” said Alex Nogales, President & CEO of NHMC.
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