Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff was a Mexican dancer and actress of Russian origin. She is mostly known as the wife of Mario Moreno Reyes, better known by his stage name Cantinflas, who was a famous Mexican comedian, actor, and filmmaker. Cantinflas is considered to have been one of the most accomplished and popular comedians in Latin America and Spain. He is also recognized as a cultural icon and a symbol of the common people in Mexico.
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The Life and Marriage of Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff
Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff was born on October 27, 1915, in Moscow, Russia. She was the daughter of Iván Zúbarev and Anita Ivanoff, who were Russian theater actors. Her parents fled with their three daughters from the turmoil of the 1919 Russian Civil War, moving to Mexico. They founded a traveling theater company called Carpa Valentina, where Valentina and her sisters Olga and Támara performed as dancers.
Valentina met Cantinflas in 1929, when he joined the Carpa Valentina as a comic actor. They fell in love and decided to get married on October 27, 1936, despite the opposition of their parents. Valentina quit her career as a dancer after her marriage and devoted herself to supporting her husband’s artistic endeavors. She also became involved in charitable causes and social work.
Valentina and Cantinflas did not have any biological children together, but they legally adopted a son in 1961. The son was named Mario Arturo Moreno Ivanova, who was believed to be the biological son of Cantinflas by another woman. Moreno Ivanova later became the heir of Cantinflas’ estate and legacy.
The Illness and Death of Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff
Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff suffered from bone cancer for several years. She underwent several surgeries and treatments, but her condition worsened over time. She died on January 5, 1966, at the age of 50, in Mexico City. Her death was a devastating blow for Cantinflas, who loved her deeply and considered her his soulmate.
According to El Universal, Cantinflas said about his wife: “She was my companion, my friend, my confidant, my counselor, my everything. She was the only woman I ever loved.” He also said that he would never marry again after her death.
Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff was buried at the Panteón Francés de la Piedad in Mexico City. Her tombstone bears the inscription: “To my beloved wife Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff. You will always live in my heart. Your husband Mario Moreno Reyes ‘Cantinflas’.”
Cantinflas died on April 20, 1993, at the age of 81, from lung cancer. He was buried next to his wife at the same cemetery.
The Legacy of Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff
Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff is remembered as a loving and supportive wife of one of the greatest comedians of all time. She is also recognized for her humanitarian work and her contribution to Mexican culture.
In 2014, a biographical film about Cantinflas was released, directed by Sebastián del Amo. The film featured Óscar Jaenada as Cantinflas and Ilse Salas as Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff. The film portrayed their relationship and their struggles with fame and illness.
Valentina Ivanova Zuvareff remains an inspiration for many people who admire her courage, loyalty, and generosity.
