'Coco' Star Renée Victor Passes Away Shortly After Sequel Is Announced

Renée Victor, the beloved actress best known for her roles in "Weeds" and Pixar’s "Coco," has passed away at the age of 86.

Victor died Friday at her home in Sherman Oaks, California, surrounded by her family.

Renée Victor had been battling lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

A decades-long presence in Hollywood, Victor made her mark in both television and film.

Many fans remember her as the no-nonsense housekeeper Lupita on Showtime’s hit series "Weeds," while younger generations came to know her voice as the stern but loving Abuelita in Disney and Pixar’s 2017 Oscar-winning animated film "Coco."

Her daughters, Raquel and Margo, released a touching statement following her passing, honoring their mother’s vibrant legacy and impact on audiences worldwide. “Renée was loved by so many & had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her,” they shared, per Deadline.

News of her passing sparked an outpouring of love and mourning on social media.

Fans took to X to share memories, tributes, and condolences.

“RIP Renée, you are in a wonderful place now,” one user wrote, while another reflected on the timing of her death, saying, “Just as the [franchise] is getting a second movie. How awful.”

Indeed, the loss comes just months after Disney announced a sequel to "Coco" is in the works.

Revealed during the company’s annual shareholder meeting, "Coco 2" is set for release in 2029 and promises to return to the colorful Land of the Dead. While plot details are still under wraps, the sequel is expected to deliver the same humor, heart, and adventure that made the original a global sensation, earning two Academy Awards and grossing over $800 million worldwide.

Fans are already calling for a tribute to Victor in the upcoming film.

“They must make a tribute to her in 'Coco 2.' Rest in peace,” one post read, echoing the sentiments of many who hope to see her memory honored on screen.

Pixar released a statement on Instagram following the news, expressing, "We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Renée Victor, the voice of Abuelita in 'Coco' and an incredible part of the Pixar family. We will always remember you."

In the comments section of the post, a Disney fan account commented, "Fly high, Renée. We will always remember you!"

Another Disney influencer expressed, "RIP to an absolute legend."

Lee Unkrich, who directed "Coco," took to Instagram to pay tribute, calling her "an incredible talent, both as an actor and dancer."

"She was enormously proud of her role in 'Coco,'" he continued. "This is so sad. I’m absolutely gutted."

One of her close friends took to Unkrich's comments section to share, "I’m heartbroken, Lee! She’s been a dear friend of mine for many many years!"

Another fan said, "'Coco' is one of my favorite films. I made a fan character for your film that you put so much love into. Thank you for making such an amazing film, and I cannot wait to see its sequel."

Born on July 25, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas, Victor relocated to Los Angeles in the 1960s and launched her acting career in the 1980s with appearances on shows like "Hotel" and "Matlock." She lent her voice to multiple characters in the 1992 animated "Addams Family" series and made guest appearances in series such as "Team Knight Rider," "The Tony Danza Show," "Four Corners," and "That’s Life."

In the late 2000s, she portrayed Consuela in Tyler Perry’s "House of Payne," and later embraced the horror genre with a role in "Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones."

From heartfelt performances to chilling thrillers, Victor’s versatility and passion left a lasting impression on audiences and colleagues alike. As the entertainment world mourns the loss of a true talent, her voice and legacy will continue to resonate, from the small screen to the magical world of "Coco."