Date of Birth: September 17, 1942
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: July 26, 2012
Biography
Guadalupe “Lupe” Ontiveros was a talented American actress, best known for her extensive work in film and television. Born on September 17, 1942, in El Paso, Texas, Ontiveros was the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She carved out a niche in Hollywood, often portraying characters that reflected her Latina heritage. Ontiveros became a beloved figure in the Latino community and beyond, thanks to her memorable roles in productions like “Selena,” in which she played Yolanda Saldívar, and “Desperate Housewives,” where she portrayed Juanita “Mama” Solis. Ontiveros’ career spanned several decades, during which she appeared in over 100 films and countless television episodes. Her versatility as an actress was evident in her ability to switch between dramatic and comedic roles seamlessly. Despite often being typecast as a maid, Ontiveros used her roles to bring depth and dignity to the characters she portrayed. Throughout her career, Ontiveros was an advocate for Latino representation in the arts, working tirelessly to ensure that the stories of her community were told authentically and respectfully. Her dedication to her craft and her community earned her numerous awards and nominations, including an Emmy nomination for her role in “Desperate Housewives.”
5 Interesting Facts about Lupe Ontiveros
1. Lupe Ontiveros was one of the founding members of the Latino Theater Company in Los Angeles.
2. She earned an Emmy nomination for her role as Juanita “Mama” Solis in “Desperate Housewives.”
3. Ontiveros was a trained social worker before she pursued a career in acting.
4. She appeared in the critically acclaimed film “El Norte,” which was nominated for an Academy Award.
5. Ontiveros played the role of Yolanda Saldívar, the convicted murderer of Tejano singer Selena, in the 1997 biographical film “Selena.”
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lupe Ontiveros
1. “I long to play a wide variety of roles. I long for the chance to be as good as I can be.”
2. “I’m proud of my work, and I’m proud of the work that I’ve done for my community.”
3. “My role as a maid may have been limiting, but it also allowed me to bring strength and dignity to a character that is often overlooked.”
4. “There is so much talent in the Latino community, and it is essential that we tell our stories.”
5. “Representation matters. Every role I took, I took with the hope that it would open doors for others.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Lupe Ontiveros’ net worth was estimated to be around $250,000.
Children
Lupe Ontiveros had three sons: Nicholas Ontiveros, Elias Ontiveros, and Alejandro Ontiveros.
Relevant Links
1. [IMDb Profile](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0648544/
2. [Wikipedia Entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupe_Ontiveros
3. [Biography on the Latino Theater Company](https://latinotheaterco.org/lupe_ontiveros
4. [Emmy Nomination Details](https://www.emmys.com/bios/lupe-ontiveros
