Mexican actress Maria Elena Velasco, best known for character ‘La India Maria’ dies
MEXICO CITY – Mexican actress and comedian Maria Elena Velasco, best known for her character “The Indian Maria,” has died at age 74.
The Mexican film institute announced through its Twitter account that Velasco, also a screenwriter and director, died Friday, but did not specify the cause.
Velasco’s “La India Maria,” which exaggerated stereotypes about Mexico’s indigenous people, became one of the most recognizable characters in Mexican film, dressed in colorful blouses and full skirts with her hair in braids.
“La India Maria,” often accompanied by her faithful donkey “Filemon,” sometimes illustrated the journey from her native village to the big city and the inevitable comic situations that followed.
Velasco started her career performing on stages in Mexico City. Her popularity eventually carried her to film fame and a long run on television.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.