Renée Victor (July 25, 1938 — May 30, 2025) was an American actress, dance instructor, and singer. She was best known for her role as Abuelita in the Disney•PIXAR film Coco (2017), the recurring role of Lupita on Weeds (2005–12), and the voice of female Argonians in Bethesda Softworks' video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011).
Victor was the eldest of three sisters. She moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s, where she launched her career in entertainment as a singer for prominent bandleaders who spearheaded the popularity of Latin music in the U.S., including Xavier Cugat and Perez Prado. At this time, she also served as a dance instructor, teaching salsa and tango. Having met her husband in these circles, she and her husband traveled globally to perform together under the banner “Ray & Renee” — nicknamed the Latin Sonny & Cher — from 1963 to 1973.
In the 1970s, Victor hosted KTLA’s Pacesetters, which highlighted the Chicano Power movement. After joining the Screen Actors Guild in 1973, she eventually transitioned to television and film work in the ’80s, scoring appearances in series like Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1985) and Matlock (1987). Her film credits include The Doctor (1991), alongside William Hurt, as well as The Apostle (1997) and A Night in Old Mexico (2013), featuring close friend Robert Duvall.
Known For
The Mealybug
Camila Delgado
2024
This One Is for the Neighborhood
2023
Green Ghost and the Masters of the Stone
La Nana
2022
With Love
Marta Delgado · (8 episodes)
2021
Unknown Dimension: The Story of Paranormal Activity
Self
2021
Walker
Gloria · (1 episode)
2021
In Other Words
2020
Snowpiercer
Mama Grandé · (11 episodes)
2020
All Rise
Lupita · (2 episodes)
2019
Undone
Abuelita Fabiola · (2 episodes)
2019
Dead to Me
Flo Gutierrez · (3 episodes)
2019
Victor and Valentino
Delores (voice) · (2 episodes)
2019
A Million Little Things
Inez · (2 episodes)
2018
Mayans M.C.
(1 episode)
2018
Mayans M.C.
Sister Teresa · (1 episode)
2018
Mayans M.C.
Nun · (1 episode)
2018
SuperFly
Esmeralda Gonzalez
2018
Coco
Abuelita (voice)
2017
That Motherf**ker
2017
Saint George
(1 episode)
2014
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
Irma Arista
2014
A Night in Old Mexico
Josefina Nelly
2013
Witches of East End
Alma · (2 episodes)
2013
Stuntmen
Juanita Villareal
2009
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Bag Lady
2009
Childrens Hospital
Gladys · (1 episode)
2008
Women's Murder Club
(1 episode)
2007
All You've Got
Grandmother Rosa
2006
Weeds
Lupita · (28 episodes)
2005
Mister Sterling
(1 episode)
2003
Strong Medicine
Isabel Santana · (1 episode)
2000
My Brother the Pig
Grandma Berta
1999
Futurama
(voice) · (1 episode)
1999
The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit
Grandmother
1998
The Prophecy II
Nana
1998
The Apostle
Latin Translator
1997
The Tony Danza Show
Lydia Cruz · (1 episode)
1997
Men Behaving Badly
Estelle · (1 episode)
1996
The Parent 'Hood
(2 episodes)
1995
ER
Florina Lopez · (6 episodes)
1994
Bob
(1 episode)
1992
Dolly Dearest
Nun at the Convent
1991
The Doctor
Lucy
1991
Blood Screams
The Witch (English-language version only)
1989
Matlock
(1 episode)
1986