MEXICO CITY — The beloved American dancer Tongolele, renowned for her influence on the vibrant nightlife of mid-20th century Mexico City, has passed away at the age of 93.
The announcement of her death was made by Mexico’s secretary of culture on Monday through social media.
They remarked on her significant impact on entertainment in Mexico, stating, “Her stage presence and unique style made her a benchmark of entertainment in Mexico. Rest in peace.” Reports suggest that she passed away on Sunday night.
Known for her striking features, including her distinctive white hair and captivating feline eyes that shifted colors between blue, green, and violet, Tongolele had a physicality that commanded attention.
Although her bold, provocative dance style faced early criticism, her infectious personality allowed her to forge connections with a wide array of influential figures, including past Mexican presidents, artists, and notable writers of her time.
In a reflective interview from 2014, she shared, “I never thought, ‘I want to be famous.’ I just wanted to dance.”
Despite her rise to stardom, she remained humble, saying, “I didn’t even realize that I was a star of the show, I didn’t even know I was successful, I was just happy dancing.”
Tongolele was born as Yolanda Ivonne Montes Farrington on January 3, 1932, in Spokane, Washington.
She began her dancing career at the young age of 15 and quickly found herself gracing the stages of theaters across Mexico, from Tijuana to Mérida.
Her transition to stage name came at the insistence of a female producer, leading her to choose Tongolele, a name influenced by African and Tahitian culture.
Her career trajectory soared as she became a leading performer in Mexico City’s most prestigious theaters and earned roles in several films, including “Mátenme porque me muero,” “Amor de locura,” and “Han matado a Tongolele,” a title that directly honors her.
In 2012, her remarkable contributions to the arts were recognized with the Agustín Lara award, celebrating her six and a half decades of impactful performances.
