Lola Beltran (birth name: María Lucila Beltrán Ruiz) was a charismatic actress and composer known for her performances in a myriad of musicals and movies. Nicknamed Lola la Grande (Lola the Great), Beltran gained international acclaim in her acting career for her portrayal of the female lead in Camino de Guanajuato (1955) and went on to star in over 50 motion picture projects. Before she ventured into acting, Beltran made a name for herself as a singer.
Her interpretation of the songs Cucurrucucu Paloma and Paloma Negra put her name on the global map as she sang them before world leaders with the latter earning over 22 million streams on Spotify. Her illustrious career spawned several albums and inspired many generations of Mexican singers to promote folk music. To honor the icon, a Google Doodle was put up on what would have been her 92nd birthday on March 7, 2024. Keep reading for a rundown of the life, career, and death of this legendary performer.
Lola Beltran Was Of Mexican Descent
Fondly called La Grande de Sinaloa (The Grand Lady of Sinaloa), Lola Beltran was born on March 7, 1932, in El Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico. She was raised by a mother who loved music and caught the bug. Her father, on the other hand, managed a mine. Beltran attended a school managed by Carmelite nuns in Mexico and groomed her singing talent by listening to music in the church and taking part in competitions.
Before Fame, Lola Beltran Worked as a Secretary
When it became clear which career path she wanted to follow, Lola Beltran and her mother moved to Mexico City to widen her chances of performing on big stages. While waiting for her opportunity, Beltran began working as a secretary for a Mexican radio station, XEW. From working as a secretary, Beltran landed her show on the radio after convincing the station to allow her to sing on the air.
Radio audiences loved her sessions and her career gradually grew from there. As such, the station takes credit for helping Lola Beltran launch her career. Also, she met songwriter Tomás Méndez at the station and he composed songs for her, including Cucurrucucú Paloma which would become a global hit. The ensuing music career would see Beltran record about 100 albums before her death.
At the height of her music career, Lola Beltran performed in front of world leaders, including President Charles de Gaulle of France, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, and American Presidents – Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. She also performed before her Mexican presidents – Adolfo Ruiz Cortines and Carlos Salinas de Gortari. She is considered one of the most accomplished ranchera artists to grace the music industry.
Film and Television Credits
Her acting debut was in the 1940 Argentine film El Cantor del Circo. She joined the Mexican film industry in 1954 when she appeared in El Tesoro de la Muerte. Beltran gained fame in the film Camino de Guanajuato (1955) where she portrayed the lead. She also played a starring role in the telenovela Mi Rival alongside Peruvian-Mexican actress Saby Kamalich. Beltran’s film career comprises mostly musicals. She was either singing in a film or saying a few lines.
Beltran also worked as a television presenter, hosting shows like Noches tapatías (1976) She also hosted her own television program, El estudio de Lola Beltrán in 1984. Beltran had celebrity guests on her show, including Luis Miguel, Lucha Villa, and Juan Gabriel. Her final screen appearances came in the 1982 film Una Gallina muy ponedora and on her TV show, El Estudio de Lola Beltrán.
Lola Beltran Was Married Twice
Until her death, Lola Beltran was married to the matador and film actor Alfredo Leal Kuri. They exchanged vows on March 26, 1957, and had one child, a daughter named María Elena Leal. Beltran’s daughter grew up to become a singer like her mother. Before Leal, Beltran was married to José Manuel Tirado but they divorced without sharing much details about their union.
What Happened to Lola Beltran?
Lola Beltran died of pulmonary embolism on March 24, 1996. Her death was a shock as she was still active in her career. Beltran had just wrapped up the recording for “Disco del Siglo” (Album of the Century) with Lucha Villa and Amalia Mendoza before her death. The musical offering was produced by Juan Gabriel. The iconic ranchera artist was laid to rest at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in El Rosario, Sinaloa. Before her internment, Lola Beltran’s body was displayed in the rotunda of the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) in Mexico City. Read more about this General Hospital star, Jack Axelrod?
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