Iconic Mexican Dancer & Golden Age of Cinema Actress ‘Tongolele’ Dies At 93
FILE - Dancer Yolanda Montez, better known by her stage name Tongolele, gives an interview in Mexico City, March 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)
One of Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema actresses has passed away. Mexican-American dancer and actress Yolanda Montes – better known as Tongolele – died on Sunday (February 16). She was 93.
“The Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico laments the death of Yolanda Yvvone Montes Farrington, better known as ‘Tongolele,’ dancer, actress and important figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema,” the press statement said.
The press statement cited that her film debut was called Nocturno de Amor, released in 1947. It also mentioned that she made more than 20 films with Mexican icons like Germán Valdés – known as Tin Tan – in El Rey del Barrio. She also worked under the direction of Emilio “El Indio” Fernández.
It continued: “Her stage presence and unique style consolidated her as a reference in Mexican entertainment. May she rest in peace.”
In a separate message, Mexico’s secretary of culture described her unmatched legacy. “Her exotic and sensual style captivated the national public, making her a symbol of the era. Her movements full of energy and grace were unmatched and left an everlasting mark on popular culture.”
Born on January 3, 1932, in Spokane, WA, Montes started dancing at age 15. It was reported that she started dancing in San Francisco nightclubs as a teenager, then later moved to Mexico City where she became a famous cabaret performer. Besides being known as an emblematic – and often described as provocative – dancer, she’s also known for her work as an actress. More popular acting appearances include her role in the telenovela Salomé (2001) alongside Edith González, and Niurka Marcos.
Though the reason for her death was not revealed, it was reported that Montes started battling Alzheimer’s in the early 2010s.
May she rest in peace.