Jorge Negrete was a Mexican singer and actor who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his charismatic personality, his powerful voice, and his roles in the charro genre of Mexican cinema. He was also a leader of the Mexican Actors Association and a champion of the rights of performers. He died on December 5, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 42. What was the cause of his death? Here is what we know.
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Hepatic Cirrhosis: A Chronic Liver Disease
According to Wikipedia, Jorge Negrete’s death was caused by hepatic cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease that results from scarring and inflammation of the liver tissue. Cirrhosis can impair the liver’s ability to perform its vital functions, such as filtering toxins, producing bile, and regulating blood clotting. Cirrhosis can also lead to complications such as portal hypertension, bleeding varices, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver cancer.
The exact cause of Negrete’s cirrhosis is not clear, but some possible factors are:
- Alcohol consumption: Negrete was known to enjoy drinking alcohol, especially tequila, which can damage the liver over time.
- Hepatitis C infection: Negrete may have contracted hepatitis C, a viral infection that can cause chronic inflammation and scarring of the liver. Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood transfusions, injections, or sexual contact.
- Genetic factors: Negrete may have inherited a predisposition to developing cirrhosis from his family. His father also died of cirrhosis at the age of 56.
The Final Days of Jorge Negrete
Negrete had been suffering from cirrhosis since 1937, according to Stars We Lost. However, he did not let his illness affect his career or his passion for music. He continued to perform in concerts, record albums, and star in films until his final days.
In 1952, he married his second wife, María Félix, a famous Mexican actress who had co-starred with him in several films. They were considered one of the most glamorous and influential couples in Mexican cinema. They also had a tumultuous relationship marked by jealousy, rivalry, and infidelity.
In 1953, Negrete traveled to Los Angeles for a business trip. He was planning to return to Mexico to celebrate his birthday and his first anniversary with Félix. However, his health deteriorated rapidly during his stay in California. He developed complications from cirrhosis, such as ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and hepatic coma (loss of consciousness due to liver failure).
He was hospitalized at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital on December 4, 1953. He received blood transfusions and oxygen therapy, but his condition did not improve. He died the next day at 9:15 a.m., surrounded by his family and friends.
According to his wishes, his body was flown back to Mexico City and buried at Panteón Jardín Cemetery. His funeral was attended by thousands of fans who mourned his death and celebrated his legacy.
Jorge Negrete: A Legend of Mexican Culture
Jorge Negrete is remembered as one of the most important Mexican singers and actors of all time. He recorded more than 200 songs and starred in more than 40 films. He was admired for his talent, charisma, patriotism, and generosity. He was also a pioneer of the charro genre, which portrayed the Mexican cowboy culture with pride and dignity.
Some of his most famous songs are:
- México lindo y querido (Beautiful and Beloved Mexico)
- Ay Jalisco no te rajes (Hey Jalisco Don’t Back Down)
- El jinete (The Rider)
- Yo soy mexicano (I Am Mexican)
- Ella (She)
Some of his most famous films are:
- La Valentina (1938)
- ¡Ay Jalisco… no te rajes! (1941)
- El peñón de las ánimas (1942)
- Allá en el Rancho Grande (1949)
- Reportaje (1953)
Jorge Negrete’s legacy lives on through his music, films, family, and fans. He is considered a national icon and a cultural ambassador of Mexico. He is also honored with statues, museums, streets, schools, and awards named after him.
Jorge Negrete cause of death was a tragic loss for Mexican culture, but also a testament to his remarkable life and career. He left behind a rich and diverse artistic heritage that continues to inspire generations of singers and actors around the world.
