Lyn May, born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in 1952, is a name synonymous with glamour, resilience, and controversy in Mexican entertainment. Known as “The Goddess of Love,” she captivated audiences with her unique blend of beauty and charisma, rising to fame as a showgirl and actress in Mexico’s golden era of Ficheras films. Her life, however, was far from the enchanting image she presented on stage. Filled with love, heartbreak, scandal, and perseverance, Lyn May’s story is as complex as it is fascinating.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Growing up in Acapulco, Mexico, Lyn May came from a family with mixed Chinese and Mexican heritage. Her upbringing was modest, with few luxuries and a life filled with the practicalities of survival. To help her family make ends meet, young Lyn sold souvenirs to tourists visiting Acapulco’s scenic shores. This early experience taught her resilience and self-reliance, qualities that would later serve her well in the cutthroat entertainment world.
Despite the challenges, Lyn’s childhood was a time of growth and discovery. Her captivating beauty and natural charm eventually led her to the path that would change her life forever.
A Tumultuous First Marriage
Lyn May’s personal life took a dramatic turn when she fell in love with an American sailor who was 30 years her senior. Drawn by a strong connection despite the age difference, she moved with him to Mexico City, where they began a family and had two daughters. However, her marriage was marred by abuse and betrayal. After five years, Lyn left her husband, accusing him of physical abuse and the sexual exploitation of their children. This painful chapter marked the end of her first marriage and the start of her journey toward independence and self-empowerment.
The Rise to Fame: Embracing Burlesque and Ficheras Films
After ending her marriage, Lyn May returned to Acapulco and began working as a dancer. Though she had little formal training, her raw talent and stage presence quickly set her apart. Her performances caught the attention of television producers, leading to her appearance on the popular Latin American TV show Siempre en Domingo. Her fame quickly skyrocketed.
Lyn’s big break came when businessman Enrique Lombardini invited her to perform in his burlesque shows at Teatro Esperanza Iris. Initially hesitant about the provocative style, Lyn soon embraced it fully. Her boldness transformed her into a sensation, and Lombardini famously dubbed her “The Goddess of Love.” She became one of the most celebrated figures in the Ficheras film genre, a style known for its comedic, sensual depictions of Mexican working-class life. Lyn’s performances became legendary, solidifying her place in Mexican pop culture.
The Decline of Ficheras Films and Lyn’s Return to Television
As the popularity of Ficheras films waned in the late 1980s, so did Lyn May’s prominence in the entertainment industry. The genre that had propelled her to stardom was no longer in vogue, and she began to fade from the public eye. But Lyn was not one to give up easily. In the late 1990s, she returned to television, captivating audiences once again with her unfiltered personality and fearless public appearances. Her triumphant comeback reminded fans of the charisma and resilience that had made her a star.
Love, Loss, and an Unconventional Act of Grief
In 1989, Lyn May found love again with businessman Antonio Chi Su. The couple married and opened a successful Chinese restaurant in Mexico City. But tragedy struck in 2004 when Chi Su was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Lyn remained by his side throughout his illness until his death in 2008. Heartbroken and unable to cope with the loss, she took a step that shocked the public—she exhumed her husband’s body and brought it home, sleeping beside his remains.
This act, as Lyn later revealed in a candid interview, was her way of dealing with overwhelming grief. She admitted, “I didn’t want to let him go. I loved him.” Though her mother eventually convinced her to let go, Lyn’s unconventional mourning illustrated the depth of her emotions and her struggle with loss.
Scandals and Mystique: Alleged Affairs and the Pursuit of Beauty
Lyn May has always been unafraid to speak her mind, even if it meant stirring controversy. One of the most talked-about claims she made was an alleged affair with a former Mexican president. While she never disclosed his identity, many speculated it was José López Portillo, who was also rumored to have had a relationship with actress Sasha Montenegro. This revelation added to Lyn’s mystique and the aura of scandal that often surrounded her.
Lyn’s pursuit of beauty, however, led her down a darker path. In the early 1990s, she sought a cosmetic procedure to rejuvenate her appearance. Tragically, a con artist deceived her, injecting her face with baby oil, cooking oil, or water instead of medical-grade collagen. The results were disastrous, leaving her face disfigured with painful lumps. Over the years, Lyn has undergone multiple surgeries to mitigate the damage, but her struggle with the disfigurement remains a haunting chapter of her life.
The “Pregnancy” Scandal and Publicity Stunts
In August 2021, Lyn May shocked fans and the media by announcing that she was pregnant at 68 with her fiancé Markos D1’s child, a man 39 years her junior. She posted a video of a baby scan on Instagram, sparking worldwide curiosity and speculation. However, the announcement soon unraveled, as Lyn deleted posts related to the pregnancy, and it was revealed that the relationship with Markos might have been less serious than she suggested. Markos later told Newsweek that the announcement was likely a publicity stunt for Lyn May’s farewell tour. This revelation was yet another twist in Lyn’s already complex and colorful life.
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
Lyn May’s life is a remarkable tale of survival, reinvention, and resilience. She rose from a humble background to become one of Mexico’s most iconic figures, navigating fame, scandal, and personal tragedies with unwavering courage. Her ability to rise above her struggles and reinvent herself time and again has endeared her to fans across generations. She remains a beloved figure in Mexican culture, a symbol of strength, beauty, and the relentless pursuit of one’s true self.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of a Showbiz Legend
Lyn May’s life story is one of dazzling highs and heartbreaking lows. Her journey from a young girl selling souvenirs to a celebrated showgirl, actress, and cultural icon is a testament to her indomitable spirit. Whether performing on stage, standing by her loved ones in difficult times, or confronting scandal with bravery, Lyn May has lived a life marked by resilience, beauty, and a fierce sense of self.
Her ability to captivate audiences, both through her performances and her unapologetic personality, has cemented her legacy as an icon of Mexican entertainment. Lyn May’s story reminds us all of the power of perseverance and the strength it takes to remain true to oneself amidst the trials of life. In the eyes of her fans, she will always be “The Goddess of Love.”
