It's not every day that an artist changes the name with which they started a successful career, but not every artist is like Isabela Merced, who had a grandmother like Yolanda Merced Salazar.
The Peruvian-American star paid tribute to her grandmother in 2019 when she decided to drop her father's last name, Moner, and undergo a complete rebrand, presenting herself as Isabela Merced. The move worked out perfectly, and now she's closing out 2024 not only as one of the most prominent Latina artists of the moment but also with a tribute to her grandmother Yolanda on Día de Muertos in Hollywood.
Without a doubt, Isabela has had a remarkable year. Aside from starring in two major productions, the Sony-Marvel film 'Madame Web' and the newest installment in the 'Alien' franchise, 'Alien: Romulus,' she also filmed the highly anticipated second season of the video game adaptation 'The Last of Us' alongside the internet's favorite "daddy," Pedro Pascal.
However, none of these professional achievements compare to what she will experience on November 1st at the Annual Día de Muertos Celebration in Hollywood. No, Isabela won't receive an award that day—but her grandmother will.
This year, the late Yolanda Merced Salazar will receive the 'Abuelita Award', which the event has presented since 2023 to honor grandmothers around the world and the unforgettable mark they leave in our hearts.
The inaugural edition of the award was presented to Lola Joann V. Cisneros, the grandmother of Carlos Eric Lopez, who founded the event in 2021 to celebrate Latino culture and Mexican traditions.
Isabela Merced and Her Grandmother
Isabela has spoken many times about the special bond she shares with her grandmother, the reason she decided to change her professional name from Isabela Moner to Isabela Merced in 2019. In an interview from that year, Isabela explained that her new name "told her story better," adding more details about her connection with Yolanda Merced.
"I grew up hearing stories about my grandmother, who passed away when my mom was just 15 years old, so I never really knew her, but it felt like I did. My mother and I shared emotional moments talking about her because she died when my mom was so young. My grandmother was the one who brought my mother to the United States, and she's the reason why my mom had the opportunities that so many others don't. My grandmother sacrificed so much for her daughters so that they could live the American dream she had for them."
Yolanda will join a distinguished list of honorees, as the event will also pay tribute to two Latino luminaries: Eva Longoria, who will receive the Life & Legacy Award, and Anthony Ramos, who will be honored with the Monarch Award.
The celebration will continue beyond the award ceremony with musical performances by Ramos himself, star of Hamilton and In the Heights, who will sing the traditional folk song "La Llorona." Grammy-winning artist Miguel will also perform his hit song "Adorn."
The event will serve as a prelude to what will surely be an equally successful 2025 for Isabela Merced. Alongside the release of the second season of The Last of Us, Merced will also join another globally beloved franchise: Superman, where she will take on the role of Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl in director James Gunn's highly anticipated project that will serve as the start of a new DC cinematic universe.
For Isabela, the Día de Muertos moment will be a perfect way to close out a dream year, highlighting that her true success lies in honoring her roots and the people who made her the person she is today.
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