Renée Victor, celebrated for her memorable performances both on screen and as a voice actor, has passed away at the age of 86. Victor gained widespread recognition for her role as the spirited, sandal-wielding Abuelita in Disney’s animated success, “Coco,” and as the witty Lupita on Showtime’s series “Weeds.” Her demise was announced by her representative, revealing that she had endured lymphoma for years before passing away at her Sherman Oaks, California home, surrounded by her family last Friday.
The Pixar family, who were behind the production of “Coco,” expressed their sorrow in an Instagram post, stating, “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.”
Between 2005 and 2012, Victor graced the screen in 22 episodes of “Weeds,” portraying the sassy housekeeper Lupita, a role that was part of an extensive television career including appearances in shows like “ER,” “Matlock,” and “The Addams Family.” However, her portrayal of the disciplinarian, music-frowning grandmother in “Coco,” the 2017 animated film exploring themes of family and the afterlife, holds a special place in audiences’ hearts.
Reflecting on her role in “Coco,” Victor once shared on Instagram, “I play the part of ‘Abuelita,’ the chancla throwing grandma that preaches ‘No Music!’ Enjoy ‘Coco’ with your family this Dia de los Muertos and forever more!” She also reminisced about her experience in “The Apostle,” a 1997 film by Robert Duvall, remarking, “He took a chance on me with this film. This is where I got my nickname ‘one take Renée,’” she added, accompanied by laughter emojis. “I had a small role but what a great one! Can somebody give me an amen?!”
Victor’s talent was apparent from a young age. Born on July 25, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, she embarked on her artistic journey as a singer and dancer. The 1960s saw her relocate to Los Angeles, where she performed with prominent big band leaders like Xavier Cugat and Pérez Prado. Her expertise extended to teaching Latin dances, notably salsa and tango.
It was during this period that Victor met Ray, her future husband. Together, they formed a duo “Ray & Renée,” touring globally and achieving particular fame in Australia during the years 1963 to 1973. By the 1970s, Victor had transitioned to hosting “Pacesetters,” a public affairs show on KTLA, eventually moving into television and film work in the 1980s.
Besides her work in “The Apostle,” Victor’s film credits encompass a variety of genres, including the 2014 horror “Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones,” “The Doctor” alongside William Hurt in 1991, and “A Night in Old Mexico” (2013), again with Duvall. Her recurring TV role as Florina Lopez on “ER” in 2004 paved the way to her casting in “Weeds.” Over the years, she appeared in series like “Snowpiercer” (2020-2021), “Mayans M.C.” (2022), “Dead to Me” (2020-2022), and Amazon’s “With Love” (2021-2023).
Renée Victor leaves behind a legacy cherished by many, including her daughters, Raquel and Margo Victor. Her influence and contributions to both cinema and television will be fondly remembered.