María Salud Ramírez Caballero was a Mexican matriarch who became well known late in life for her resemblance to the character Mamá Coco in the Pixar animated film “Coco.”
- Died: October 16, 2022 (Who else died on October 16?)
- Details of death: Died in Santa Fe de la Laguna, Mexico at the age of 109.
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Mamá Coco
Ramírez Caballero created pottery that was used for cooking and sold at markets and fairs. She was a mother of three with about 50 grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was already nearing 100 years old when production teams traveled to her village, among others in Mexico, doing research for “Coco,” Pixar’s Día de los Muertos-themed film. Ramírez Caballero later said that she was photographed during these visits, and the Mamá Coco character resembles her appearance, though Pixar has never stated that the character is based on her or any other specific person. The resemblance brought newfound recognition to Ramírez Caballero and her town, and visiting tourists often took photos of her next to a “Coco” poster.
Ramírez Caballero on being called Mamá Coco
“Now all the people who come and visit us tell us that’s my name. But I tell them no, it’s not my name. My name is María de la Salud.” —from a 2018 interview for New China TV
Tributes to María Salud Ramírez Caballero
Full obituary: Mexico Daily Post
