Silvia Pinal: The last days of the famous Mexican film and TV legend

The Mexican entertainment industry mourns the loss of Silvia Pinal, who passed away at the age of 94. A celebrated figure since her youth, she made a significant mark in film, radio, theater, television, and the broader realm of entertainment. Her unwavering passion, which she nurtured from an early age, allowed her to build a career that garnered honors and recognition extending far beyond Mexico. In her later years, the actress encountered numerous health challenges, including several hospital stays, primarily related to respiratory problems that she had managed to overcome with timely medical attention.

The last hours of Silvia Pinal

Pinal's passing followed her hospitalization in a facility located in southern Mexico City, where she had been admitted on November 21 due to an infection affecting her urinary tract and lungs. Initially, her daughter, Sylvia Pasquel, reported a positive outlook and anticipated her mother's swift discharge, but the situation took an unexpected turn. As the hours progressed, the actress's condition deteriorated, leading to reports of a pulmonary collapse and her transition to palliative care.

During this challenging time, the Pinal family opted for privacy. Each arrival of family members from their prominent lineage heralded the star's approaching farewell after seven days in the hospital. Alejandra Guzmán, Sylvia Pasquel, Luis Enrique Guzmán, her granddaughter Stephanie Salas, and great-granddaughter Camila Valero all came to the hospital in those last moments, while the media remained on alert outside, documenting every update.

The moments following her passing

Just before seven in the evening on November 28, hospital activity surged. A hearse soon arrived to take the body of the Mexican cinema icon to a funeral home in southern Mexico City. Media eagerly awaited statements from the grieving family, united in their loss of a beloved figure in Mexican entertainment, highlighting the presence of her great-granddaughter, Camila Valero. Alejandra Guzmán also drew attention with her visibly distressed demeanor, refraining from comments.

This heartbreaking news came just days after the family celebrated Silvia Pinal’s 94th birthday. The hearse departed from the hospital, closely followed by media outlets broadcasting the procession live. Fans and admirers gathered at the funeral home to pay their respects, despite reports that the wake would be a private affair, reserved for the beloved star's close family and friends.

The Extraordinary Life of a Diva

Silvia Pinal was born in Guaymas, Sonora, to orchestra conductor Moisés Pasquel and María Luisa Hidalgo Aguilar. Early hardships shaped her life significantly. Following her mother's separation from Mr. Pasquel, she was raised by her stepfather, Luis G. Pinal, whom she regarded as her true father due to the love and support he provided. From a young age, Silvia showed a keen interest in the arts, inspired by contemporary opera singers, often performing at home, which led her mother to enroll her in bel canto lessons. These experiences nurtured her artistic sensitivity and growing passion for performance. Her talent eventually extended to radio early in her career, a pursuit she returned to after her success in film. Pinal is particularly celebrated as one of Luis Buñuel's muses, featuring in significant films that shaped cinema, including Viridiana, The Exterminating Angel, and Simon of the Desert.

Silvia once reflected on her multifaceted artistic identity: “I believe I have embodied many roles throughout my life. Initially, I was an innocent young girl; then I became a sex symbol, followed by a vedette, a singer, and a musical theater dancer. I have engaged in classic theater and comedy; what brings me the most joy is musical comedy...,” she shared in an interview with journalist Cristina Pacheco.