Helena Rojo, Mexican Actress & Telenovela Legend, Dies at 79

Mexican actress, Helena Rojo, whose career spanned several decades in cinema, telenovelas, and plays, has died on February 3, following a battle with liver cancer. The protagonist of several telenovelas such as El Privilegio de Amar and Abrázame Muy Fuerte, died at the age of 79.

The news of Rojo’s passing was first announced by reporter, Maria Luisa Valdes D on X, and was later confirmed by Rojo’s family, who published a statement on Rojo’s social media channels confirming her passing. 

“Helena lived a full life dedicated to her passion of acting and leaving a permanent mark on the world of show business. Her talent, professionalism, and her devotion have made her an endearing figure for the public, as seen by the messages of affection and respect that we’re receiving during these difficult times, and for which we are most thankful.”

Rojo was born in Mexico City in 1944 and began her career in the 1960s as a model before joining theater productions as a student under Carlos Ancira and José Luis Ibañez. Her first cinematic debut was in 1970 with El Club de Los Suicidas, launching her into a prolific cinema career. She went on to appear in over 50 films, including Más Negro que la Noche (1975) and most recently in Invitación a un Asesinato (2023). 

Rojo was also a revered fixture of Mexican telenovelas. She was a protagonist in popular series such as Ramona (2000), Abrázame Muy Fuerte (2000), Amor Real (2003), and El Privilegio de Amar (1998), in which Rojo says that her role as Luciana Duval created a clear “before and after” in her career, with fan clubs popping up in support of her character and the series.