Mexican Actress Lupe Vélez Died in 1944

Today in Latin American history, Mexican actress Lupe Vélez who was known as the “Mexican Spitfire” died in 1944.

Vélez began her career in Mexico as a dancer, before moving to the U.S. where she worked in vaudeville.  Vélez was one of the first Mexican actresses to succeed in Hollywood.

Vélez committed suicide once she learned she was pregnant and was unable to deal with the shame associated with having a child out of wedlock.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian nurse Ana Néri who was the first nurse in her country was born in 1814

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian folk singer Luiz Gonzaga who is known as the “king of baião” and “Gonzagão” was born in 1912

Today in LatAm history, Miss Universe 1981 Irene Saez who is also a Venezuelan politician was born in 1961

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian President Artur da Costa e Silva decreed the AI-5 (or the fifth Institutional Act), which lasts until 1978 and marks the beginning of the hard times of Brazilian military government in 1968