Mexico City – The acclaimed Mexican actress Adriana Laffan, known for her memorable roles in telenovelas such as “Carrusel” and “Destilando Amor,” has died at the age of 63, the National Actors Association (ANDA) announced on Wednesday.
Adriana Laffan Lara was born on September 4, 1960, in Mexico City. She was the daughter of actress Graciela Lara and had a prolific career spanning over 40 years in film, television, and theater.
Laffan studied acting at the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes and Televisa’s Centro de Educación Artística (CEA). She got her start in 1977 with a role in the film “Cuartelazo” and went on to appear in over 18 telenovelas throughout her career.
Some of her most iconic roles were in the 1980s children’s telenovela “Carrusel,” where she played Luisa de Palillo, and as the villainous Ofelia Quijano in “Destilando Amor” in 2007. She also had memorable performances in telenovelas like “Clase 406”, “Alegrijes y Rebujos” and “Mujer de Madera.”
Beyond telenovelas, Laffan appeared in films like “Un Mundo Raro” and “Cuartelazo” and in TV programs such as “Mujer, Casos de la Vida Real,” “Como Dice el Dicho” and “La Rosa de Guadalupe.”
In 2014, the actress joined the cast of Telemundo’s hit series “Señora Acero.” Her last role was in Televisa’s telenovela “Porque el Amor Manda” in 2013.
Reaction to Her Passing
The ANDA announced Laffan’s passing in a statement published on social media on November 1, 2023.
“The National Actors Association deeply regrets the passing of our colleague Adriana Laffan, a union member. Our condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Rest in peace,” ANDA wrote.
Fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry have been mourning the beloved actress on social media, expressing their sadness at her untimely passing and celebrating her illustrious career.
Fellow actor Luis Gatica said, “My dear Adriana, I will always remember you with great affection and respect. We started together in “Carrusel”…who would’ve thought that God would call you so soon.”
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Actress and singer Lucero recalled working with Laffan, tweeting, “I had the privilege of working with her in my novela Soy Tu Dueña… My condolences to her family and friends.”
Her Life and Legacy
Adriana Laffan was married to actor Jesús Arriaga, with whom she had two children, María José and Emiliano.
Beyond her acting achievements, those who knew Laffan described her as a generous colleague and friend. Despite her immense talents, she remained humble and down-to-earth.
With her extensive filmography across mediums and generations, Adriana Laffan left an indelible mark on Mexico’s entertainment industry. For many Mexicans, she was a fixture in their household growing up, starring in some of the most cherished telenovelas of all time.
Her sudden passing at just 63 years old has come as a shock to fans. While the causes remain unknown, Laffan’s legacy as one of Mexico’s most prolific actresses will live on through her iconic performances that brought joy across decades. She will be deeply missed by her fans, colleagues and family.
What Happens Next and Memorial Service
Details about memorial services or tributes in Laffan’s honor have not yet been announced.
Given her immense popularity and decades-long career, it is expected that there will be an outpouring of honors and commemorations for the actress in the coming days and weeks.
Major Mexican networks like Televisa, where she starred in her most famous roles, may air special programs or retrospectives of Laffan’s work. Reunions or special episodes of her best-known telenovelas could also take place to remember the star.
As the Mexican entertainment industry mourns the passing of one of its greats, Adriana Laffan’s lasting contribution to the world of telenovelas and her stellar career will no doubt be celebrated for years to come. Though gone too soon, her memory and iconic performances will live on.