The renowned Mexican-American actress and dancer Yolanda Montes, better known as 'Tongolele', passed away at the age of 93. The artist's death, iconic in the golden age of Mexican cinema, occurred on Sunday, although it was officially reported on Monday.
Information about her death was shared by the National Association of Interpreters (ANDI), an organization that brings together actors in Mexico. Although the circumstances of her passing were not detailed, several media outlets reported that it occurred at her residence in Puebla, a state located in central Mexico, due to a sudden heart attack.
Yolanda Montes, whose full name was Yolanda Yvonne Montes Farrington, was born in Spokane, United States, on January 3, 1932. During the second half of the 20th century, she stood out in the golden era of Mexican cinema, participating in at least ten films where she dazzled audiences with her sensual dances.
The artist combined elements from different cultures in her performances, including African, Tahitian, and Caribbean rhythms, which made her an icon of exotic dance in Mexico. Her film career led her to share the screen with renowned figures such as Germán Valdés 'Tin Tan' and to work under the direction of Emilio 'El Indio' Fernández.
Married since 1956 to the Cuban Joaquín González, she had two children, Ricardo and Rubén González Montes. In her later years, Montes' health was affected by senile dementia, and more recently, in 2021, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Despite retiring from public life in 2015, her legacy in film, theater, and television remains a testament to her talent and charisma that won over numerous audiences throughout her career.
