Enrique Álvarez Félix was a Mexican actor, known for his roles in telenovelas and in films, such as The Monastery of the Vultures and The House of the Pelican. He was also the son of the legendary actress María Félix, who was considered one of the most iconic stars of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. But how did Enrique Álvarez Félix die, and what was his cause of death? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Enrique Álvarez Félix, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Career
Enrique Álvarez Félix was born on April 5, 1934, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He was the only son of María Félix and her first husband, Enrique Álvarez Alatorre. His parents divorced in 1938, when he was four years old, and his mother moved to Mexico City with him. However, his father soon took him back, and he grew up with his paternal grandparents
Enrique Álvarez Félix showed an interest in acting from an early age, and made his film debut in 1955, in The Immortal Charro. He then studied drama at the National Institute of Fine Arts, and joined the National Theater Company. He also appeared in several films directed by Luis Buñuel, such as Simon of the Desert and The Crows are in Mourning
In the 1960s, he began to work in television, starring in several telenovelas (soap operas), such as The Golden Woman, Valeria, Wild Heart, Scam of Love, and The Portrait of Dorian Gray. He became one of the most popular and handsome actors of his generation, earning the nickname “The Prince of Telenovelas”. He also had a successful career in theater, performing in plays such as Hamlet, Othello, Death of a Salesman, and The Glass Menagerie
Personal Life and Relationships
Enrique Álvarez Félix never married, and kept his personal life private. However, he was romantically linked to several actresses, such as Silvia Pinal, Jacqueline Andere, Claudia Islas, and Erika Buenfil. He also had a close relationship with his mother, María Félix, who was very protective of him. He often accompanied her to social events and film festivals, and they shared a passion for art and literature
However, some sources claim that Enrique Álvarez Félix had a troubled psyche, and suffered from sexual frustration and an Oedipus complex. According to Mexican novelist and essayist Carlos Fuentes, Enrique Álvarez Félix was “a man who loved his mother too much”. Fuentes also suggested that he was homosexual or bisexual, but repressed his sexuality due to social pressure and fear of his mother’s rejection
Cause of Death
Enrique Álvarez Félix died from a heart attack in the early morning of Friday, May 24, 1996, at his home in Mexico City. He was 62 years old. His death came as a shock to his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and charismatic actor. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including his mother María Félix, who was devastated by his loss. She said: “He was my son, my friend, my companion”
Enrique Álvarez Félix’s last acting role was Leonardo in Marisol (1996), a telenovela that starred Erika Buenfil as his niece. Coincidentally, his character died two days before he did in real life. The producers decided to dedicate the final episode to his memory.
Legacy
Enrique Álvarez Félix left behind a legacy of more than 40 films and 20 telenovelas that showcased his versatility and charisma as an actor. He also received several awards and recognitions for his work, such as the Silver Goddess Award from the Mexican Cinema Journalists Association (Pecime), the Golden Herald Award from El Heraldo de México newspaper (1978), and the TVyNovelas Award for Best Actor (1986)
He is also remembered as the son of María Félix, one of the most influential figures in Mexican culture. Their relationship was marked by love and admiration, but also by conflict and distance. They were both strong-willed and independent personalities who often clashed over their careers and personal choices. However, they always supported each other in times of need and shared a deep bond that transcended their differences Enrique Álvarez Félix cause of death was a tragic event that saddened the Mexican entertainment industry and the public. He was a talented and charming actor who left an indelible mark on the history of Mexican cinema and television. He was also a devoted son and a loyal friend who touched the lives of many people. He will always be remembered as “The Prince of Telenovelas”