Camucha Negrete, a pioneering Peruvian actress, dies at 80
Peruvian actress Camucha Negrete, a renowned figure in television, film, and theater, has died at the age of 80 after battling cancer. The veteran performer passed away on Saturday, September 27, leaving behind a lasting imprint on Peru’s entertainment landscape. Her family and fans are mourning a trailblazer whose career spanned more than six decades, elevating Peruvian storytelling on screen and stage.
Velatorio details
According to Paula Mejía, Camucha Negrete’s granddaughter, the wake has been held starting Saturday, September 27, and is scheduled to continue until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28. The velatorio takes place at the Virgen de Fátima chapel in the Miraflores district of Lima. Family members and admirers alike are awaiting further information to determine whether the ceremony will be private or open to the public for those who wish to pay their respects.
A lifelong career in Peruvian entertainment
Often regarded as one of Peru’s first true entertainment icons, Camucha Negrete launched her career in 1968 with the beloved humor program El Tornillo. Her early work helped shape Peruvian television humor, and she later joined Augusto Ferrando on the iconic show Trampolín a la Fama, cementing her status as a leading performer of the era.
In the 1980s, Negrete expanded her reach to the big screen with the acclaimed film Pantaleón y las visitadoras, an adaptation of Mario Vargas Llosa’s famous novel. She also became a familiar face in telenovelas, delivering memorable performances in titles such as María Emilia, Querida, Pobre diabla, La mujer de Lorenzo, Los Barriga, and Cumbia Pop, demonstrating her versatility across genres.
Her impact extended beyond acting. In 1989 she took on solo hosting with Camucha y tú, later guiding audiences through the variety of Utilísima. Even after more than a decade on screen, Negrete continued to influence with projects like the 2013 series of short-form narratives, Confesiones, historias de la vida misma, underscoring her enduring presence in Peruvian popular culture.
Tributes and public reaction
News of Negrete’s passing prompted expressions of sorrow from major Peruvian outlets and cultural institutions. El Comercio released a tribute acknowledging her extensive contributions to cinema, theater, and television, describing her as a talent and a presence who helped shape the country’s screen heritage. The Ministry of Culture likewise offered condolences, highlighting how her work—from café-theater beginnings to iconic programs like Risas y Salsa—left an indelible mark on Peru’s artistic scene.
In interviews conducted during her later years, relatives and collaborators recalled her strength and passion for performance. Before her illness intensified, her granddaughter Pilar Mejía spoke publicly about Camucha’s fragile health, noting the family’s devotion and care as they surrounded her with love and prayers. The family has asked for patience as officials confirm the details of the wake’s public accessibility.
Legacy: a pioneer whose influence endures
Camucha Negrete is remembered not only for her talent but also for breaking ground for generations of Peruvian actors. Her early work helped set a standard for versatility, moving seamlessly between humor, drama, and musical-inflected entertainment. By the time she reached television’s mainstream stages, she was already a symbol of perseverance and craft—an archetype of the Peruvian acting tradition that producers, writers, and new performers continue to study and celebrate today.
As families and fans honor her memory, the question of a public or private velatorio may gradually clarify. Regardless of how the final farewell is organized, Camucha Negrete’s legacy—built on more than 60 years of dedication to Peruvian film, theater, and television—remains a touchstone for future generations who aspire to tell stories that resonate with audiences across the country.
