Renée Victor, the Iconic Voice Behind Abuelita in ‘Coco,’ Dies at 86
Renée Victor, the powerhouse actress best known for her voice roles as Abuelita in Pixar’s Coco and Lupita in Showtime’s Weeds, has passed away at the age of 86. Her family confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that she died Friday night at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, after a battle with lymphoma. She was surrounded by loved ones.
Victor leaves behind a legacy that spans music, television, film, and voice acting. And one that centered her Latina identity with pride, humor, and undeniable grace.
Renée Victor Was So Much More Than Abuelita
While most people fell in love with Renée Victor as the no-nonsense, chancla-throwing grandma in Coco, her career began decades earlier. According to Deadline, she was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 25, 1938. Victor moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s to pursue music. She sang with iconic Latin bandleaders like Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado. Later on, she performed globally with her husband as the duo “Ray & Renée,” earning them the nickname “the Latin Sonny & Cher.”
In the 1970s, Victor hosted Pacesetters on KTLA, a show that spotlighted the Chicano movement. By the 1980s, she had begun building a steady resume of television roles, including appearances on Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Matlock, and ER. Her breakout role came in 2005 when she got the part of Lupita, the razor-sharp housekeeper on Weeds.
Her Voice Work Gave Latinidad a Global Stage
Renée Victor lent her voice to many projects, but none hit quite like Coco. Released in 2017, the film became a global sensation, grossing over $800 million and winning two Oscars—including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Remember Me.”
Victor played Abuelita Elena, the fierce matriarch who tries to ban music from the household. As she wrote on Instagram, she took pride in being “the chancla-throwing grandma that preaches ‘No Music!'” Pixar paid tribute to her on Instagram, saying, “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.”
In March, Victor had expressed excitement about reprising her role in the upcoming Coco 2. “We get to do it again! This is what we’ve all been waiting for! I’m so excited!” she wrote, per USA Today. “Coco shared a Mexican tradition that is now celebrated around the world in unity.”
Renée Victor’s Impact Went Far Beyond the Screen
Victor’s presence lit up every set she stepped onto. Gloria Calderón Kellett, who worked with her on Prime Video’s With Love, wrote on Instagram, “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!”
Kellett added, “Renee was a true pro. A scene-stealer. A joy. A blessing. Her artistry made everything better, and her presence made every set brighter.”
Victor also made memorable appearances on shows like Dead to Me, Snowpiercer, Vida, Mayans M.C., and Gentefied. She even voiced characters in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered just earlier this year.
Honoring Renée Victor and Her Long-Lasting Legacy
Renée Victor’s daughters, Raquel and Margo, shared in a joint statement, “Renee was loved by so many & had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.”
Victor embodied the kind of Latina representation that isn’t just symbolic, but meaningful. From salsa dancer to cartoon chancla-thrower, from Chicana activist to scene-stealing comedic talent—her story reminds us that it’s never too late to take center stage.
She is survived by her daughters and remembered by the millions of families who saw their abuelitas in her voice. Rest in power, Renée Victor. And thank you for everything.
