At the age of 93, Yolanda Montes, known as 'Tongelele', passed away. Her death was announced on the same day as the singer Paquita la del Barrio. Montes was one of the longest-living actresses in Mexican cinema who was still alive, along with Elsa Aguirre. Carlo Uriel, manager of Laura Zapata, and journalist Paola Rojas confirmed the death of the actress from Mexican 'ficheras' cinema.
Yolanda Montes, originally from the United States, was born in 1933 and was recognized as an actress and dancer in 'ficheras' cinema. Her nickname 'Tongelele' became popular due to her presence on stage with her outstanding dance steps. Montes began her career in the most renowned theaters and cabarets of Mexico City in the 1940s and 50s before venturing into film.
Her rise to fame is attributed to her participation in the movie 'Han matado a Tongelele' directed by Roberto Gavaldón in 1948. Although most of her film roles were as a special guest, Montes had leading roles in films like 'Las fabulosas del reventón', in addition to appearances in famous films such as 'El Rey del Barrio' alongside Germán Valdés 'Tin Tan'.
Montes also ventured into Mexican television with a show called 'Música por siempre' and released a music compilation titled 'Tongelele canta para usted' which included ten songs. The actress participated in other films such as 'El amor es ciego', 'Mátame porque me muero', and 'Chucho el remendado'. Her last artistic appearance was in the telenovela 'Salomé' in 2001 and she shared the screen with Emilio 'El Indio' Fernández in the movie 'El Crepúsculo de un Dios' in 1969.
The career of Yolanda Montes 'Tongelele' left a legacy in Mexican cinema and television, being recognized for her talent as a dancer and actress during the golden age of entertainment in the country.
