In Memoriam 2023: Remembering Julián Figueroa, Andrés García, Rachel Welch, and Other Latino Stars

2023 was marked by the loss of several Latino celebrities. Among the notable figures who passed away were telenovela icon Andrés García, acclaimed singer Julián Figueroa, Latina Hollywood star Rachel Welch, the esteemed entertainment journalist Talina Fernández, and renowned painter and sculptor Fernando Botero. Their contributions to the arts and entertainment left an indelible impact.

Peruvian rock musician Pedro Suárez Vertiz and Mexican telenovela star Rebecca Jones also passed away this year after long illnesses.

Too young

The unexpected passing of Mexican artist Julián Figueroa left a deep impact in the Latino entertainment industry. Figueroa, the only child of beloved actress and vedette Maribel Figueroa and iconic singer-songwriter Joan Sebastian, died at the age of 27, on April 9. His demise was both shocking and heartbreaking, particularly as he had no known underlying health conditions.

The entertainment industry was also deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Cecilia Priego on October 2, a talented actress known for her remarkable work in theatre and popular telenovelas like "La Reina del Sur." Priego, who was only 36 years old at the time of her death, had been courageously battling uterine cancer for a second time.

Telenovela icons said that said "fin"

Andrés García, a luminary of the Latino entertainment world, passed away on April 4, leaving behind a rich legacy in the realm of telenovelas and film. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Mexico, García became a household name across Latin America, captivating audiences with his charisma and talent.

Among his most famous telenovelas were "Tú o nadie," "El privilegio de amar," and "La hija del mariachi." He was 83 years old.

Actress Rebecca Jones, known for her captivating performances in both film and television, passed away on March 22 after a valiant battle with cancer. Her career spanned decades, mostly working in telenovelas.

Earlier, on March 11, Ignacio López Tarso, a titan in the realms of TV, film, and theatre, also passed away. López Tarso's illustrious career was marked by his powerful portrayals and his deep, resonant voice, making him a beloved and respected figure in Mexican performing arts.

Latino legends that passed away in 2023

Xavier López, known for his timeless character "Chabelo," was revered as the eternal child who brought laughter and tenderness to multiple generations on Mexican cinema and television screens. Over time, the name Chabelo was associated with numerous false reports of his death. However, the true announcement of his passing came on March 25th. He was 88 years old.

On march 1, the National Association of Performers (Andi) of Mexico announced on Wednesday the passing of their Irma Serrano, famously known as "La Tigresa". Hailing from Chiapas and aged 89 at the time of her passing, Serrano was a renowned singer of rancheras and corridos, as well as a talented actress. Her career, which began at a young age, spanned numerous films, telenovelas, and theater productions, alongside various recording endeavors. Not confined to the arts, Serrano also made her mark in politics. In the 1990s, she served as a senator for her native state, representing the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

The passing of Raquel Welch at the age of 82 marked the end of an era for the entertainment industry. Known for her iconic roles in films like "One Million Years B.C." and "The Three Musketeers," Welch was born as Jo-Raquel Tejada, proudly reflecting her Bolivian heritage. Defiantly maintaining her name in an industry that pressured her to conform, she rose to international stardom at a time when the concepts of 'Hispanic' and 'Latino' were not widely recognized or understood.

The fashion and arts world also went into mourning

The world of fashion and fragrance mourns the loss of the legendary Paco Rabanne, who passed away at the age of 88 in his home in France, on February 3. His death, confirmed by Puig, the parent company of his esteemed brands, marks the end of an era for a designer who profoundly impacted the industry with his unique and radical vision.

The renowned Latin American artist Fernando Botero passed away on September 15. His daughter, Lina Botero, reported that the 91-year-old Colombian painter and sculptor succumbed to complications related to pneumonia at his residence in Monaco. Botero was famed for his unique style in both paintings and sculptures, often characterized by exaggerated, round figures that humorously critiqued the elite society of Colombia.

Remembering Musicians Lost

Pedro Suárez-Vértiz, a celebrated figure in Peruvian rock music, passed away at his home in Lima, Peru, on Thursday, December 28 at age 54. Known for popular songs like "Los globos del cielo" and "Me estoy enamorando," the artist reportedly died of a heart attack. Suárez-Vértiz had been battling dysarthria as a result of bulbar neuromuscular syndrome, a condition that severely affects speech and breathing abilities. This health challenge had unfortunately kept him away from performing for the last decade.

Lisandro Meza, a towering figure in Colombian music, passed away on Saturday, December 23, at the age of 86. His death came nearly three weeks after he was hospitalized following a stroke. The news was confirmed by the Specialized Clinic La Concepción in Sincelejo, located in his home state of Sucre, Colombia, where he was receiving care. Iconic Colombian artists like Juanes, Jorge Celedón and Carlos Vives honored him in social media.

In a tragic event that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, gospel singer Pedro Henrique died on stage during a performance on December 15. The artist, known for his soul-stirring performances, was at a religious event in Brazil when he suddenly collapsed while singing. He was only 30 years old. The tragic episode took place while the event was being broadcast live to more than 1 million fans on social media.