Renowned actress Renee Victor, perhaps best known for voicing Abuelita in the 2017 Pixar smash Coco, has died of lymphoma at age 86. She appeared in numerous TV shows such as Matlock, ER, and Weeds, where the character of Lupita became one of her best-known roles. As video games became a prominent source of voice work for actors, she added her distinctive voice to them as well. Victor voiced all female members of the Argonian race in Bethesda's epic, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
The San Antonio, Texas native moved to Los Angeles in the 60s and began her entertainment career as a popular singer. She and her husband toured for ten years as "Ray and Renee," an act often billed as the "Latin Sonny and Cher."
Victor was a trailblazer in an industry that often reduces people of color to background roles. She was the perfect choice to appear in Coco, hailed as one of the best depictions of Mexican culture ever put on film. Generations of Mexican children saw their story depicted on screen in a positive way, something still all too rare in Hollywood.
As we mourn her, Coco's message of love transcending death is worth revisiting. The traditions surrounding Dia De Los Muertos are all about preserving the memories of loved ones. When we do that, they never really leave us.
Renee Victor's lifetime of work ensured her voice will be with us forever. Every time my animation-loving family watches Coco, we'll remember her. Every time I fire up Skyrim, I will enjoy our talks.