Lolita Torres

Lolita Torres, a singer and one of the top actresses of Argentina ' s golden era of cinema, died Saturday of complications from a lung infection. She was 72.

She had been hospitalized since August, when the rheumatoid fever she had suffered for a decade grew worse.

Ms. Torres, born Beatriz Mariana Torres, began singing at age 11, performing Spanish folk songs in a leading Buenos Aires theater.

She went on to record hits that include " Te lo juro yo " (I swear it to you) and " Gitano Jes s " (Gypsy Jesus).

But Ms. Torres was best known for her film career. From 1944 on she acted in 17 films alongside some of Latin America ' s best known actors in what was Argentine cinema ' s " golden years. "

Her acting career took her to Mexico, the former Soviet Union, Spain and Colombia before she retired in 1972. In August she was named a " special citizen " by the city of Buenos Aires.

Former Argentine President Carlos Menem was one of many who paid tribute to Ms. Torres after she died, calling her " one of the greatest of all time. "

Ms. Torres is survived by her husband, Julio Cascia, and five children, including Latin pop singer Diego Torres.