Disney voice actor and Mexican film star, known for Coco, dies aged 90

Beloved voice actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, best known for voicing the fan-favorite character Mama Coco in Disney-Pixar's hit 2017 film Coco, has passed away at the age of 90.

The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (NIFA) announced the devastating news on X (previously known as Twitter), on Sunday. 

'With deep sadness we regret the sensitive death of the leading actress Ana Ofelia Murguía, who was part of the stable cast of the @CNTeatromx of #INBAL and whose artistic career was vital for the performing arts of Mexico,' NIFA revealed.

The organization concluded: 'We send condolences and lovingly hug her family and friends.' 

Her cause of death has not been disclosed, but the news immediately prompted a bevy of social media tributes as fans flocked to social media to mourn the legendary performer. 

Murguía, who was born Mexico, is best known for the 2017 Disney-Pixar animated movie Coco as well as her roles in The Queen of the Night (1994) and Nobody Will Speak of Us When We're Dead (1995). 

Disney-Pixar's animated musical comedy Coco is about a Mexican boy who travels to the Land of the Dead to learn his family's past and dreams of becoming a musician. 

It is based on the traditions surrounding the Day Of The Dead. 

Over her career, she was nominated for five Ariel Award for Best Actress and was  'given a medal in recognition of her contributions to the industry' in April 2023, according to The Sun.

Last year, Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, a Mexican woman who reportedly served as the inspiration for Mama Coco, died at aged 109. 

The Secretary of Tourism for the Mexican state of Michoacan, Roberto Monroy, confirmed her death. 

Monroy remembered the legend as a 'tireless woman and life model' and revealed that Caballero passed away in Santa Fe de la Laguna, which is the same town where she was born more than a century ago. 

He said in a statement: 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, "Mama Coco", a tireless woman and example of life, who was the inspiration for this beloved character that went around the world. 

'I pray for her eternal rest and for her family to find peace of mind.' 

She was given the nickname of 'Mama Coco' after the character of the same name she had inspired in the animated film. 

Disney had never officially acknowledged that Caballero is the inspiration for the beloved character, but her family claims that a team from Pixar had visited their area and extensively photographed her and even lived with them for a while.

Her family had been working to have her recognized as the inspiration for Mama Coco since the release of the film in 2017, but have been unsuccessful.

Caballero was a clay craftswoman who made pots in addition to other items and sold to locals.