MIAMI -- The telenovela world is reeling from the loss of Helena Rojo, a venerated Mexican actress, who passed away at the age of 79 following her battle with liver cancer. The news of her passing was met on social media with a wave of tributes and heartfelt messages from fans and celebrities alike, including Lucero, Lucía Méndez, Arturo Carmona, Consuelo Duval, Ana Martín, and Chantal Andere, among many others.
The outpouring of grief and remembrance underscores Rojo's significant impact on the telenovela genre and the entertainment industry at large. Her career, spanning several decades, left an indelible mark on Mexican, Latin American, and Latino culture and television.
Born María Elena Enríquez Ruiz on August 18, 1944, in Mexico City, Rojo began her career as a model in the 1960s before transitioning to acting. Her last role on English-language TV was in "Ugly Betty," where she played an actress playing a telenovela villain.
Helena Rojo's legacy
Her journey in the world of telenovelas began in 1974 with "Extraño en su pueblo." Over the decades, she became known for her roles in numerous popular telenovelas, including "La venganza," "El privilegio de amar," and "Abrázame muy fuerte."
In film, she collaborated with renowned directors such as Werner Herzog and Arturo Ripstein, earning accolades like the Ariel Award (Mexico's Oscars) for Best Supporting Actress in 1972 for her role in "Fin de fiesta."
In 1972, Helena Rojo was part of the cast of the Peruvian movie "Espejismo," which was nominated for the Golden Globes as Best Foreign Film.
Apart from her television success, Roj
We lost a Mexican legend today. Helena Rojo was one of the grand dames of telenovelas. She could elevate every single project she was a part of with just her presence. RIP… my 4 favorite roles of her: Ramona, El Privilegio De Amar, El Color De La Pasión and Retrato De Familia 😢 pic.twitter.com/lXYMo9Craq
— The Broadway Slasher 🏳️🌈 (@Sequins4thots) February 4, 2024
A community in mourning
The news of Helena Rojo's passing led to an on-going outpouring of tributes from fellow actors and fans alike.
"The most beautiful and cute, great actress and companion, beautiful woman inside and out. Rest in peace, adorada Helena Rojo. It was an honor to share scenes with you and to know you closely.", wrote Lucero, who worked with her in "Por ella soy Eva."
Este monólogo es de lo más hermoso que he escuchado en una novela. Maravillosa interpretación de Helena Rojo 🥺. Así debe estar en el cielo 🕊️🤍 pic.twitter.com/4TM5uQTFM6
— Alanis✨ (@alanisrq) February 4, 2024
"Great among the greats. Forever loved and admired. My deepest condolences to your family and friends. May she continue to take care of all her loved ones in that beautiful place where she is now," added the actress and singer.
Not many people knew Rojo was sick, so the news came as a big shock to fans and his fellow actors. The reactions were as beautiful as they were devastating. RIP Helena Rojo.
La más guapa y linda, gran actriz y compañera, mujer bella por dentro y por fuera. Descansa en paz Helena Rojo adorada, fue un honor compartir escena contigo y conocerte de cerca. Grande entre las grandes. Amada y admirada por siempre.
— Lucero (@LuceroMexico) February 4, 2024
Mi más sentido pésame para su familia y… pic.twitter.com/M8SjXZAyLB
Tuve la fortuna de trabajar contigo en “amor real” siempre amable, cariñosa, elegante, profesional y una gran actriz. DEP querida #HelenaRojo 🌹 pic.twitter.com/T1XY7IaNvZ
— Chantal Andere (@Chantalandere) February 4, 2024
Mis más sinceras condolencias por el fallecimiento de Helena Rojo. Su talento y contribuciones en la actuación han dejado una huella imborrable en la industria. Que sus logros y recuerdos sirvan como consuelo en estos momentos difíciles. Descanse en paz. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/4lGSUJ9LvD
— Lucía Méndez (@LuciaMendezOf) February 4, 2024
Helena querida,
— Mauricio Martínez (@martinezmau) February 4, 2024
Me entristece mucho tu partida.
Siempre te recordaré con mucho cariño.
Extraordinaria actriz y extraordinaria mujer.
Descansa en paz, la gran Helena Rojo. pic.twitter.com/q719L9u30P
QEPD nuestra querida Helena Rojo! Profunda tristeza! 🙏🙏🙏
— victoria ruffo (@victoriaruffo31) February 4, 2024
Querida Helena Rojo…cuando te conocí de niño en 1971 en una pelicula quede impresionado con tu belleza. Cuando coincidí contigo como adulto en un set y tuve la suerte de conocer la mujer, compañera y amiga que eres, me sentí afortunado. Gracias por todo. Te quiero y te extrañaré
— Luis Gatica (@_luisgatica) February 4, 2024
¡Estoy en shock, no lo puedo creer!
— María Sorté (@msorteoficial) February 4, 2024
Mi querida Helena Rojo ha partido de regreso a la Casa del Señor. Tres telenovelas juntas, una obra de teatro... Hoy me parece increíble que no nos volveremos a ver.
Pido a Dios le otorgue a sus seres amados Paz, esa Paz que sobrepasa todo en- pic.twitter.com/KRRYd3qq6e
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