Kaylah Walton
The world of Mexican cinema and Hispanic arts is grieving the loss of renowned actress Silvia Pinal, who passed away on November 28, confirmed to have died in a hospital located in southern Mexico City.
At the age of 93, Pinal succumbed to complications from a urinary tract infection, a challenge common with her advanced age, marking the end of an era for the legendary diva of Mexican cinema.
Reports from Multimedios Television indicate that she passed away at 5:50 PM local time, with plans for a tribute taking place at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
A Legendary Career in Mexican Cinema
Born on September 16, 1931, in Mexico City, Silvia Pinal Hidalgo showed an early passion for the arts while also working as a typist. This allowed her to take a job with Kodak by the age of 14, as she pursued her studies at the Instituto Nacional de las Bellas Artes under the guidance of Carlos Pellicer.
Pinal’s theatrical journey began in 1947 with a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and she later appeared in various radio soap operas for the station XEQ.
Her first film role came in 1949 with El pecado de Laura. Thanks to her stunning looks and remarkable acting skills, she became a notable figure alongside legendary actors of her time, including Rafael Banquells, whom she later married, Pedro Infante, Germán Valdés ‘Tin Tan’, and Mario Moreno ‘Cantinflas’.
The Iconic Muse of Buñuel
In 1961, she rose to prominence after starring in Luis Buñuel’s film Viridiana, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Pinal was also featured in Buñuel’s other acclaimed work, The Exterminating Angel.
In 1987, she transitioned to television by producing and hosting “Mujer: Casos de la Vida Real,” a show on Televisa that ran for two decades, balancing this venture with her philanthropic efforts and continued stage performances.
Silvia Pinal’s personal life included four marriages—first to Rafael Banquells, then Gustavo Alatriste, Enrique Guzman, and Tulio Hernandez, the former governor of Tlaxcala. She is survived by her children, including Luis Enrique and Alejandra Guzman, from her relationship with Enrique Guzman, and Silvia Pasquel from her marriage to Banquells.
Tragically, she lost her daughter Viridiana, who was from her marriage to Gustavo Alatriste, in a car accident in October 1982.
Pinal’s final television appearance took place in 2018 on the telenovela “Mi Marido tiene Familia,” and she was featured in the children’s play “Caperucita ¿Que onda con tu abuelita?” in 2022.
