Lyn May, once a celebrated Mexican actress and showgirl, captured the hearts of audiences in nearly 100 films spanning the 1970s to the 1990s. Her striking beauty, magnetic performances, and undeniable charm cemented her place as a household name. She enchanted fans and powerful political figures alike, achieving fame and fortune. Yet, one tragic mistake during a routine cosmetic procedure changed her appearance and life forever, reshaping her journey into one marked by resilience and reinvention.
Born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in 1952, Lyn May grew up in Acapulco, Mexico, in a family of Chinese-Mexican descent. Her early years were fraught with hardship, as she worked tirelessly to help her family make ends meet. As a child, she sold trinkets to tourists, and later, she took on work as a waitress. These formative years, though challenging, set the stage for her future success. While waitressing, Lyn met an older American sailor whom she married. The relationship, initially passionate, turned tumultuous, and after five years marked by alleged abuse, Lyn filed for divorce. This turning point led her back to Acapulco, where she began dancing and performing—a decision that would ultimately propel her to stardom.
Lyn’s big break came when she appeared on the popular Mexican TV show Siempre en Domingo. Her beauty and captivating stage presence quickly made her a sensation. Soon after, Enrique Lombardini, a renowned theater owner, recognized her potential and invited her to join his burlesque shows. Initially hesitant, Lyn embraced the opportunity and adopted a burlesque persona, earning her the nickname “The Goddess of Love.” This marked the beginning of her rise to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as one of the biggest stars of the Ficheras film genre. These films, which delved into the risqué adventures of working-class Mexicans, were controversial yet wildly popular. Although the genre’s popularity faded by the 1990s, Lyn remained a beloved figure in Mexican entertainment.
However, Lyn’s life took a devastating turn in the early 1990s when she decided to undergo a Botox procedure. Hoping to maintain her youthful appearance, she entrusted her beauty to a practitioner who injected her with a harmful mixture of water, baby oil, and cooking oil instead of the collagen she had expected. This botched procedure left her face lumpy and distorted, far from the smooth, youthful look she had envisioned. The mishap not only altered her physical appearance but also set her on a path of public scrutiny and personal struggle.
Desperate to undo the damage, Lyn turned to plastic surgery, but the results were far from what she hoped. While some of the harmful substances were removed, the effects remained visible, leaving her altered appearance a frequent topic of media attention. Despite this, Lyn’s determination never wavered. She continued to work in the entertainment industry, making guest appearances on television and participating in documentaries. Her enduring charm and resilience reminded the public of her incredible journey and contributions to Mexican pop culture.
In her personal life, Lyn experienced both love and loss. After her tumultuous first marriage, she found happiness with billionaire Antonio Chi Su, whom she married in 1989. Together, they operated a successful Chinese restaurant in Mexico City. Tragically, Chi Su was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and passed away in 2008, leaving Lyn devastated. In her grief, she made headlines for an unusual act: she exhumed her husband’s body and reportedly kept it at home for some time, even sleeping beside his remains. Lyn later explained that this act stemmed from her inability to part with the man she had loved deeply for 25 years.
Lyn’s unpredictable nature continued to captivate the public. In 2021, she announced at the age of 68 that she was pregnant by her fiancé, a man 39 years her junior. The shocking revelation quickly went viral, eliciting both disbelief and intrigue. However, it was soon revealed that the pregnancy claim was a publicity stunt tied to her farewell tour. Her fiancé, Markos D1, later admitted their relationship was brief and casual, further fueling the media frenzy around her life.
Despite the controversies and personal struggles, Lyn May’s legacy as a Mexican cultural icon remains intact. Her life is a testament to resilience and reinvention, showcasing her ability to rise above challenges. From her early days selling trinkets in Acapulco to her rise as a celebrated actress and dancer, Lyn’s journey illustrates the complexities of fame and the pursuit of beauty. While her physical appearance changed over time, her impact on the Mexican entertainment industry endures.
Lyn May’s story is one of triumph and tragedy, marked by moments of great success and heartache. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her bold choices have solidified her place in history as a fascinating and enduring figure. She remains a powerful symbol of Mexican cinema’s golden age, her legacy defined by her charisma, talent, and unwavering determination to shine even in the darkest moments.
