Celebrity from Weeds loses fight against lymphoma

Weeds star Renee Victor has passed away at the age of 86 following a battle with lymphoma – a form of blood cancer.

The actress, known for her role as housemaid Lupita in a popular drama series, passed away on Friday at her home in Sherman Oaks in the presence of her family, as confirmed by her agency to Deadline.

She had a successful career spanning several decades in television and film. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character of Abuelita in the acclaimed Pixar animated film Coco (2017).

Victor’s daughters Raquel and Margo released a statement as they honored their mother’s legacy.

‘Renee gained recognition for her portrayal of “Abuelita” in the 2017 Disney hit. She was adored by fans worldwide and will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by her,’ conveyed her children.

Weeds star Renee Victor has passed away at the age of 86 following a battle with lymphoma – a form of blood cancer

The late actress – who had portrayed housemaid Lupita in the hit drama series – died on Friday at her Sherman Oaks home while surrounded by her family, her agency confirmed to Deadline

Social media users jumped to X to mourn the loss of Victor upon hearing the news of her death. 

One penned, ‘RIP Renee Victor. She was amazing as Abuelita in Coco and will always be remembered.’ 

‘Thank you for giving us Abuelita. Rest in peace, Renee Victor. Your voice lives on in our hearts,’ another wrote, while a fan also shared, ‘RIP to an icon.’ 

Another added, ‘RIP Renee, you are in a wonderful place now,’ while others referenced to the upcoming sequel Coco 2.

It was announced a few months earlier in March that a second installment is currently in the works – with a set release date for 2029. 

‘Just as the series is getting second movie how awful,’ one said of the late star’s passing, and another typed out, ‘They must make a tribute to her in Coco 2, rest in peace.’ 

Victor was born on July 25, 1938 in San Antonio, Texas and later moved to Los Angeles in the 60s. 

Renee’s career in the entertainment industry began in the 1980s when she took on small roles in shows such as Hotel and Matlock. 

‘Renee is perhaps best known as the voice of “Abuelita” in Disney’s 2017 blockbuster. Renee was loved by so many & had fans all over the world. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her,’ her children expressed; late star seen in 2024 in L.A. 

In 1992, she voiced numerous roles over the span of 13 episodes for the animated series The Addams Family. 

And throughout the 90s and early 2000s, Victor made appearances in other shows such as Team Knight Rider, The Tony Danza Show, Four Corners and That’s Life. 

From 2008-2009, the actress took on the role of Consuela in Tyler Perry’s series House Of Payne. 

She also starred in a total off 22 episodes as the housemaid Lupita in Weeds – which had also cast Mary-Louise Parker, Andy Milder and Justin Kirk. 

Victor then ventured over to the horror genre when she played Irma Arista in Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones. 

During a past interview with Scene Creek, the star reflected on her time filming the movie in the franchise. 

At one point, Renee expressed, ‘When I was doing the scenes for Paranormal I always felt the back of my hair pulling a little bit. 

‘Especially when I did that scene with Andrew Jacobs where he grabs my arm. That frightened me, it really frightened me.’ 

In regards to the script, Victor also revealed that most of what she said in the film had been ‘improvised.’ 

At one point, Renee expressed, ‘When I was doing the scenes for Paranormal I always felt the back of my hair pulling a little bit’; seen in 2024 in L.A. 

‘I think everything I said was improvised. That was part of the audition that I did. My Spanish was tested, number one. And as well as my English of course.’

She added, ‘Also being able to switch from one to the other quickly and still make sense and have the ability to speak Spanish in such a way that it left no wonder to the non-Spanish speaking audience.’ 

A few years later after her step into the world of Paranormal Activity, she voiced the character of Abuelita in Disney Pixar’s Coco. 

The movie became a box office success – raking in around $814.3 million globally on a budget between $175-$225 million.   

Back in March, Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed that a sequel to Coco is in the works and will hit theaters later in 2029. 

At the time, he simply stated: ‘While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humor, heart and adventure. And we can’t wait to share more soon,’ per Variety. 

Renee also appeared in the Snowpiercer series (2020-2021) as well as three episodes of Dead To Me.

She played the character of Marta Delgado in the Amazon Prime Video series titled With Love (2021-2023). 

A few years later after her step into the world of Paranormal Activity, she voiced the character of Abuelita in Disney Pixar’s Coco

Victor’s most recent credit had been her voice work as Khajiit in the video game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered which was released last month in April; seen in 2024 in Pasadena 

Victor’s most recent credit had been her voice work as Khajiit in the video game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered which was released last month in April.

During an interview with Clover Health in 2022, the actress opened up about acting and how it positively contributes to health – no matter someone’s age. 

She explained to the outlet, ‘It keeps everything sharp. 

‘Memorization, blocking, wardrobe, hair, makeup, and the process of getting into your character requires constant investigation and imagination, because the more you do with your character, the more you discover.’