María Félix was a Mexican actress who is best known for her iconic roles in films like Doña Bárbara, La mujer de todos, and Enamorada. She is celebrated as one of the most famous Mexican movie stars in history.
Personal and Family Life
Born on April 8, 1914, in Álamos, Sonora, Mexico, María’s birth name was María de los Ángeles Félix Güereña. She was the daughter of Bernardo Félix Flores and Josefina Güereña Rosas. Throughout her life, María was married multiple times, with notable husbands including the famous composer Agustín Lara. She had one child, Enrique Álvarez Félix.
Career Highlights
María Félix constructed a larger-than-life image as “La Doña,” a strong and independent woman, following her landmark role in the 1943 film Doña Bárbara. She appeared in 47 films, captivating audiences not only in Mexico but across Latin America, Europe, and beyond. Despite her international fame, she never acted in English-language films, instead choosing to remain connected to her Latin roots.
Death and Legacy
María Félix passed away on April 8, 2002, in Mexico City due to congestive heart failure, coinciding with her 88th birthday. Her legacy as a powerful female icon in cinema endures, influencing generations of actresses and representing a bold portrayal of women in film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| La fièvre monte à El Pao | 1959-12-05 | Inés Rojas |
| El rapto | 1954-04-23 | Aurora Campos |
| La Bandida | 1963-01-01 | María Mendoza ‘La Bandida’ |
| Tizoc | 1957-10-23 | María |
| María Eugenia | 1943-04-01 | María Eugenia |
| Sonatas | 1959-10-12 | La Niña Chole |
| Enamorada | 1946-12-25 | Beatriz Peñafiel |
| Doña Bárbara | 1943-09-16 | Doña Bárbara |
| La noche del sábado | 1950-12-29 | Imperia (Donina) |
| Mare nostrum | 1948-12-21 | Freyra |
| Río escondido | 1948-02-12 | Rosaura Salazar |
| La diosa arrodillada | 1947-08-13 | Raquel Serrano |