Mexico’s Legendary Actress Silvia Pinal Dies at 93
Silvia Pinal, a renowned Mexican actress who starred in Luis Buñuel’s iconic film “Viridiana,” passed away on Thursday at the age of 93. Born in 1931 in the city of Guaymas, northwestern Mexico, Pinal was one of the leading actresses during Mexico’s “Golden Age” of cinema in the mid-20th century, alongside stars such as Pedro Infante, Germán Valdés, Cantinflas, and Arturo de Córdova.
Throughout her six-decade career, Pinal starred in dozens of films produced in Mexico, the US, and Europe. She gained international recognition for her roles in three films by Luis Buñuel, including “Viridiana,” “Simon of the Desert,” and “The Exterminating Angel.” Additionally, she appeared in the 1969 Mexican-American action film “Shark!” alongside Burt Reynolds.
Pinal’s career spanned not only film but also musical theatre and television, where she worked as an actress and producer. She produced the popular telenovela “Mujer, casos de la vida real,” which aired for over 20 years until 2007. Pina was also a successful television producer, having worked with leading Mexican television company Grupo Televisa for decades and having a series based on her life made for the same network.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Pinal was also involved in Mexican politics, serving as a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party and holding seats in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, and Mexico City’s local assembly. Pinal was married four times and had four children, including rock singer Alejandra Guzmán.
Mexico’s Culture Secretary, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, mourned Pinal’s passing, calling her “a pioneer in theatre, paving the way for future generations.” Emilion Azcarraga, chairman of Grupo Televisa, also paid tribute to Pinal, describing her as “the diva of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, theatre, and television.”