On Thursday night, the unfortunate death of the first Mexican actress, Carmen Salinas, was announced. Salinas had been in a hospital in Mexico City for several weeks, after a fall she suffered at home after fainting as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage. After the confirmation of her death at the age of 82, the entertainment world is in mourning after a brilliant career that led Carmen Salinas to become a reference in the country.
“It is with deep sorrow that we inform you that the first actress, Carmen Salinas, passed away today December 9, 2021. We’ll later inform, about funerary services. We appreciate all the messages of support and expressions of respect for our family, as well as the expressions of affection and prayers for our beloved Carmelita Salinas,” confirmed her family through the actress’ Twitter account.
The famous “Carmelita” won millions of fans for her talent, but also her unmatched charisma. Since that episode when she fainted at home, which happened right after watching the telenovela in which she was in (Mi Fortuna es Amarte), Carmen Salinas remained in a natural coma, and her family did not lose hope that the actress could wake up. Despite all medical efforts, Salinas passed.
Carmen Salinas’ legacy
Carmen Salinas was born on October 5, 1933 in Torreón, Coahuila. During the 60s, she made her debut as an actress in productions directed by the great Ernesto Alonso. The first was La vecindad in 1964, followed by El chofer, Sublime redención and La Frontera. In recent times, Carmen Salinas played great characters in Abrázame muy fuerte, Preciosa, Mi Pequeña Traviesa, María Mercedes and María la del Barrio, among others.
Undoubtedly, the role that catapulted her to fame was the endearing Corcholata in the movie Bellas de Noche.
However, Carmen Salinas regretted that she was so typecast in that character during her career. “I want to tell you that I am not La Corcholata. I am a woman who played the role of a little drunk who was La Corcholata. They don’t know if I read or not. They don’t have to judge me by a character. I only ask to be respected. I am not Juana Pérez, unlike what people say, I am not ignorant,” said Carmen Salinas a few years ago in an interview for Milenio.
In addition, combining her facet as an actress with that of businesswoman, Carmen Salinas was key in the creation of a social phenomenon in theater such as Aventurera. Great actresses played the main character in the play, and it was all under the tutelage of Carmen Salinas. Edith González, Itatí Cantoral, Niurka or Paty Navidad. In theater, Carmen Salinas’ most recognized works, besides Aventurera, were Aprendiendo a ser señora, Cada quien su vida and Vine, vi y mejor me fui.
After consolidating her career in television, Carmen Salinas also became a figure in national cinema with memorable performances in films such as Distrito Federal, Danzón, Albures mexicanos, La raza nunca pierde, Que viva Tepito, Noche de Carnaval and Bellas de Noche. In addition, her popularity led her to try many facets of her life, to the extent that she entered politics and became a congresswoman. In fact, Carmen Salinas worked actively in the Radio and Television Commission in Congress, as well as in the Gender Equality Commission. In sports, Carmen Salinas was always identified in baseball as a great fan of the Diablos Rojos del Mexico.
Rest in peace, Carmen Salinas.
Translated by María Isabel Carrasco Cara Chards
