Mexican actresses who deceased in 1997
Here are 3 famous actresses from Mexico died in 1997:
Drue Leyton
Drue Leyton (June 12, 1903 Guadalajara-February 8, 1997 Corona del Mar, Newport Beach) also known as Dorothy Parsons was a Mexican actor.
During her career, Drue Leyton appeared in over 20 films, including "The Big Broadcast" (1932) and "Laughing Boy" (1934). She also worked as a screenwriter and producer, and produced several films in the 1940s. Leyton was one of the first actors of Mexican descent to achieve success in Hollywood. She married Hollywood producer Walter Wanger in 1938 and continued to work in the film industry until the mid-1950s. In her later years, she became involved in philanthropy and worked for various charitable organizations in Southern California.
Leyton began her acting career on stage, performing in various plays in both English and Spanish in the United States and Mexico. She eventually made the transition to film, working for several studios including Paramount Pictures and RKO Radio Pictures. Leyton was known for her versatility as an actress, and was able to play a wide range of roles, from romantic leads to eccentric character parts.
Besides her work in film and philanthropy, Leyton also had a passion for art and collected pieces from ancient Egypt, Mesoamerica, and other civilizations. Her personal collection was eventually donated to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Leyton faced discrimination as a Mexican-American actress, and often had to play stereotypical roles. Nevertheless, she paved the way for other Latinx actors in the industry and remains a trailblazer for representation in entertainment.
Drue Leyton was born in Guadalajara, Mexico as the daughter of an American father and Mexican mother. She grew up speaking both English and Spanish fluently and attended high school in Mexico City. Leyton's interest in acting began at an early age, and she took classes at the prestigious Mignonette School of Acting in Los Angeles.
In addition to her work in Hollywood, Leyton was also an active member of the Mexican film industry. She worked with renowned Mexican director Emilio "El Indio" Fernandez and starred in several Mexican films, including "La Malquerida" (1949) and "La Noche Avanza" (1952).
Leyton's marriage to Walter Wanger was not without controversy. In 1951, Wanger was charged with assault after he shot Jennings Lang, an agent he suspected of having an affair with Leyton. Wanger was ultimately sentenced to four months in jail for the incident, but he and Leyton remained married until his death in 1968.
Despite the challenges she faced, Drue Leyton remained a beloved figure in both the Mexican and American film industries. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for her contributions to motion pictures.
In addition to her work in film and philanthropy, Drue Leyton was also an accomplished writer. She wrote several articles and essays that were published in magazines and newspapers, and wrote a book about her experiences working in Hollywood called "The Private Life of Hollywood". Leyton was also known for her fashion sense and was often featured in fashion magazines for her sophisticated and elegant style. She was a regular attendee of Hollywood events and parties and was considered to be a socialite. Leyton passed away in 1997 at the age of 93, but her legacy as a trailblazer for Latinx representation in film and her contributions to the arts and philanthropy continue to inspire many.
Susana Guízar
Susana Guízar (November 17, 2014 Mexico-November 17, 1997) was a Mexican actor.
She was renowned for her expressionist acting style and is considered to be a pioneer of Mexican avant-garde theater. Susana began her acting career in the 1940s and went on to star in several Mexican films and television shows. In the late 1960s, she founded the renowned theater company Teatro Orfeón in Mexico City, which was known for producing experimental and boundary-pushing productions. Susana's contributions to the Mexican theater industry were significant, and she is remembered as an important figure in the country's cultural history.
Susana Guízar was born in Mexico City in 1914. Her passion for acting led her to pursue a career in theater, film, and television. She debuted on stage in the play "Misterios de la noche" and went on to act in several other productions. In 1942, she made her film debut in "El misterioso señor Marquina." Throughout her career, she appeared in more than 20 films and several television series, including "El Carruaje," "La Constitución," and "La Hora Marcada."
In the late 1960s, Susana founded the Orfeón theater company, which became one of Mexico's most innovative and respected theater companies. The company's productions often explored social and political issues and experimented with different forms of expression. Susana acted in many of Orfeón's productions and also served as its director.
Susana was a committed activist and used her acting talent to raise awareness of social injustice. She was a member of the National Association of Actors and was involved in campaigns for better working conditions for actors and for gender equality in the industry.
Susana Guízar passed away in 1997 at the age of 83. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence Mexican artists today.
In addition to her work in theater, film, and television, Susana Guízar was also a respected acting teacher. She taught at the National School of Theater and was renowned for her innovative and unconventional teaching methods. Many of her students went on to become successful actors and directors in Mexico and beyond.
Susana was also a prolific writer and poet. She published several books, including a collection of poems titled "Los abismos de la noche" (The Abysses of the Night) and a memoir titled "Teatro Orfeón: Un sueño hecho realidad" (Orfeón Theater: A Dream Come True).
Throughout her career, Susana received many awards and honors for her contributions to Mexican culture. In 1990, she was awarded the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in the Fine Arts category. She was also awarded the Ariel de Oro, Mexico's highest film award, for her contributions to the Mexican film industry.
Today, Susana Guízar is remembered as a trailblazer and innovator in Mexican theater and film. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to push boundaries and explore new forms of expression.
Despite facing obstacles as a woman in a male-dominated industry, Susana Guízar never gave up on her passion and continued to pave the way for future generations. Her avant-garde and socially conscious approach to theater and film challenged traditional narratives and sparked important conversations about issues that were not openly discussed in Mexican society at the time.
In addition to her artistic contributions, Guízar was also a fervent advocate for the preservation of the environment. She was a member of the environmental organization Amigos del Bosque and dedicated much of her time to raising awareness about the importance of protecting Mexico's natural resources.
Susana Guízar's impact on Mexican culture and history is undeniable, and her legacy as a multifaceted artist and advocate continues to inspire and empower people around the world.
Josefina Escobedo
Josefina Escobedo (November 17, 2014 Aguascalientes-November 17, 1997 Mexico City) was a Mexican actor.
She began her career at the young age of 17, appearing in various stage productions in her hometown of Aguascalientes. She eventually moved to Mexico City where she continued to act in theater and eventually made her way to television and film. Escobedo appeared in several well-known Mexican films, including "Macario" (1960), which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Throughout her career, she was celebrated for her powerful and emotional performances. In addition to acting, she was also a talented painter and sculptor. Escobedo passed away on November 17, 1997, on her 80th birthday.
Despite her success as an actor, Josefina Escobedo remained humble and dedicated to her craft throughout her career. In 1963, she founded the Centro Mexicano de Teatro, a theater school and company dedicated to promoting Mexican theater and acting talent. She also worked as a professor at the National Institute of Fine Arts in Mexico City, mentoring young actors and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. In recognition of her contributions to Mexican theater and film, Escobedo was awarded the National Theater Award in 1994. She continues to be remembered as a talented and influential figure in Mexican culture.
In addition to her impressive artistic pursuits, Josefina Escobedo was also a social activist and feminist. She was known for her commitment to gender equality and spoke out against discrimination and violence towards women. Escobedo was a member of the Mexican Association of Women's Rights and was involved in various feminist movements throughout her life. Her activism and advocacy for women's rights inspired many and left a lasting impact on Mexican society. Today, Josefina Escobedo is remembered as an icon in Mexican culture, both for her artistic contributions and her unwavering commitment to social justice.
Escobedo's influence in the theater community extended beyond her activism and founding of the theater school. She was known for her dedication to promoting Mexican culture and playwrights, often performing in plays written by Mexican authors. She believed that theater should reflect and celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives of Mexican people. As a result, she often played strong female characters who challenged societal norms and expectations. One of her most memorable performances was in the play "La Sombra del Pegaso" (The Shadow of Pegasus), in which she played a widow fighting for her inheritance in a male-dominated society.
Despite her success and recognition, Escobedo never lost sight of her humble origins. She often returned to Aguascalientes to visit family and support local artists. She also remained committed to her work as a professor, believing that it was her responsibility to share her knowledge and experience with the next generation of actors.
Josefina Escobedo's legacy lives on through her art, activism, and dedication to promoting Mexican culture. She is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future actors and artists, and as a feminist icon who fought tirelessly for gender equality.