A lifetime on stage and screen
Peruvian acting legend Camucha Negrete, born Carmen Julia Chávez Negrete de Collantes, has died at the age of 80 after a battle with liver cancer. A veteran of more than six decades, Negrete left an indelible mark on television, theatre, and cinema in Peru, earning her a place among the country’s first generation of iconic performers. Her career began in 1968 with the beloved comedy program El Tornillo, where audiences first came to know her improvisational wit and warmth. She later collaborated with Augusto Ferrando on the enduring program Trampolín a la fama, further cementing her status as a household name in Peruvian households.
Throughout the 1980s, Negrete became a familiar face on television with Risas y Salsa, a program that blended humor and music. She also joined the big screen, appearing in Pantaleón y las visitadoras, a national film adaptation of Mario Vargas Llosa’s celebrated work, which showcased her versatility as an actress capable of spanning genres from comedy to drama. On television, she demonstrated range in telenovelas such as María Emilia, Querida, Pobre diabla, La mujer de Lorenzo, Los Barriga, and Cumbia Pop, earning admiration for her presence, timing, and ability to connect with audiences.
Negrete’s talents extended to hosting. In 1989 she earned her first solo presenting role with Camucha y tú, later becoming a familiar face on Utilísima and, in 2013, the short‑form storytelling program Confesiones, historias de la vida misma. Over more than 60 years, Camucha Negrete helped shape Peruvian television and theatre, and her work remains a touchstone for generations of actors who followed in her footsteps.
The final days and velatorio details
Following the family’s announcement of her passing, the information circulating about the velatorio has highlighted its accessibility to fans and admirers. Paula Mejía, Camucha Negrete’s granddaughter, shared that the wake has been taking place since Saturday, September 27, and is scheduled to run until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28. The venue is the Virgen de Fátima chapel in Miraflores, Lima. At the time of reporting, details about whether the velatorio would be private or open to the public were still being clarified, leaving fans eager to pay their respects and celebrate Negrete’s remarkable life in person.
News outlets and cultural authorities have joined fans in honoring the actress. El Comercio posted memorial notices across its social channels, remembering Camucha Negrete as a multifaceted talent whose work spanned cinema, theatre, and television. The Ministry of Culture likewise expressed its sorrow, noting that Negrete’s enduring charisma and skill illuminated stages from cafe theatres to iconic programs such as Risas y Salsa. Her granddaughter’s remarks, recorded in interviews for morning programs, underscored the strain of her grandmother’s illness while conveying the family’s devotion during this difficult time.
Tributes and public reaction
Public statements from cultural institutions, colleagues, and fans reflect a broad sense of grief for a performer who helped lay the foundations of Peru’s entertainment industry. While many are left recalling her memorable roles and on‑screen timing, others emphasize her influence on the generations of performers who followed. The conversations around the velatorio also highlight how Camucha Negrete’s legacy continues to resonate in Peruvian pop culture, from classic sitcoms to late‑night talk formats and beyond.
Legacy and impact
Camucha Negrete’s career spanned more than 60 years, a remarkable record that demonstrates her resilience and adaptability across evolving media landscapes. She is remembered not only for a string of memorable characters but also for her role as a pioneering figure who helped shape Peruvian television, theatre, and cinema. As the nation bids farewell, her legacy endures in the laughter she helped create, the stories she told, and the professional standard she set for aspiring actors across Peru. The wake at Virgen de Fátima serves as a beacon for those who wish to celebrate a life spent entertaining and inspiring audiences across generations.
