Renée Victor, star of “Coco,” dies shortly after the announcement of a sequel

At the age of 86, Renée Victor, the adored actress who starred in Pixar’s “Coco” and “Weeds,” passed suddenly.

Surrounded by her loved ones, Victor passed away on Friday at her Sherman Oaks, California, home.

Renée Victor has been fighting a type of blood cancer called lymphoma.

Following her death at age 86, “Coco” star Renée Victor was remembered by her family and fans.

Victor, who has been in Hollywood for decades, left her stamp on movies and television.

She is best known to fans as the tough housewife Lupita from Showtime’s popular series “Weeds,” while younger audiences first heard her voice as the strict yet affectionate Abuelita in Disney and Pixar’s 2017 Oscar-winning animated feature “Coco.”

After her death, her daughters Margo and Raquel made a heartfelt statement in which they paid tribute to their mother’s vivacious legacy and influence on audiences throughout the globe. “Renée had admirers worldwide and was adored by many. “Everyone who knew her will cherish her memory,” they said, according to Deadline.

Social media was filled with love and grief after word of her passing spread.

Supporters Demand a “Coco 2” Tribute

Fans posted condolences, tributes, and recollections on X.

One commenter commented on the timing of Renée’s passing, writing, “Just as the [franchise] is getting a second movie,” while another remarked, “RIP Renée, you are in a wonderful place now.” How terrible.

The loss does, in fact, occur just months after Disney revealed that a “Coco” sequel was in the works.

Returning to the vibrant Land of the Dead, “Coco 2” is scheduled for release in 2029, as revealed during the company’s annual shareholder meeting. The sequel is anticipated to have the same humor, emotion, and adventure that made the first film a worldwide phenomenon, winning two Academy Awards and making over $800 million globally, even if plot details are still being kept under wraps.

Supporters are already requesting that the next movie pay homage to Victor.

One remark echoed the emotions of many who wish to see her memory honored on screen: “They must make a tribute to her in ‘Coco 2.’ Rest in peace.”

Pixar Issues a Statement After the Death of Renée Victor

After learning of the tragedy, Pixar posted a statement on Instagram, saying, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Renée Victor, the voice of Abuelita in ‘Coco’ and a remarkable member of the Pixar family. We shall never forget you.

One Disney fan account wrote, “Fly high, Renée,” in the post’s comments section. We’ll never forget you!”

According to another Disney influencer, “RIP to an absolute legend.”

The ‘Coco’ Director at Pixar Honors

The director of “Coco,” Lee Unkrich, paid tribute to her on Instagram, describing her as “an incredible talent, both as an actor and dancer.”

“She took great pride in her part in ‘Coco,'” he added. “This is really depressing. I’m completely devastated.”

“I’m heartbroken, Lee!” wrote one of her close friends in Unkrich’s comments section. I’ve had a close friendship with her for a very long time.

“‘Coco’ is one of my favorite movies,” another fan commented. I created a fan character for the movie you worked so hard on. I appreciate you creating such a fantastic movie, and I’m eager to see the follow-up.

Renée Victor’s versatility is what people remember about her.

Victor was born in San Antonio, Texas, on July 25, 1938. She moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s, and in the 1980s, she began her acting career by appearing on programs like “Hotel” and “Matlock.” The 1992 cartoon “Addams Family” included her as the voice of several characters, and she also appeared as a guest on shows including “Team Knight Rider,” “The Tony Danza Show,” “Four Corners,” and “That’s Life.”

She played Consuela in Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” in the late 2000s, and she later embraced the horror genre by playing a part in “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.”

Victor’s adaptability and passion made a lasting impression on both audiences and colleagues, whether they were watching poignant performances or terrifying thrillers. Despite the loss of a genuine talent, her impact and voice will live on in the entertainment industry, from the small screen to the fantastical world of “Coco.”