‘Comedy even saved me from suicide’: Lucila Mariscal at 83
There was a time when Lucila Mariscal, transformed into her iconic character ‘Lencha’, made half of Mexico and entire communities on the other side of the border laugh. That direct humor, inspired by her mother and women from the north and west of the country, took her to important stages. All this, backed by solid training at the National Institute of Fine Arts.
Today, at 83 years old, the setting is different: a room in The Actor’s House. She has been here for three months, after two falls that made her realize that she could no longer live alone. Far from regretting, the actress seeks to be an example.
“Businessmen don’t give me work because they think I can’t, but they don’t know everything I can. I’m healthy because I’ve never drunk, smoked or consumed substances, nor have I been a prostitute; they can investigate that,” she says, half joking and serious.
Lencha: a legacy of laughter
For Lucila, Lencha is a reason for eternal gratitude. “He was a character that gave me many recognitions. Human beings need to laugh… and laughter is a fortune,” he reflects.
Did Lencha overshadow the rest of his career? She denies it with data: she has played more than 40 characters. Tragedy, comedy, drama… everything. “Lencha is very close, I was very inspired by my mother, who was from a ranch.”
Humor has been much more than a profession; It has been a lifesaver.
“A lot. Comedy even saved me from suicide, because several times I tried to take my life, and with comedy you regenerate yourself inside. That’s what laughter does… It has been my therapy.”
Life in La Casa del Actor: peace and security
His arrival at this place was a decision for safety. “For older adults there is great insecurity if they live alone.” He visited the renovated location — with new elevators — and decided to stay.
She flatly denies the rumors that her representative ‘left’ her there. “Who’s head fits that?” he exclaims. “People’s fuse blows and they say things that aren’t true.”
Now you enjoy an earned right: to be calm and at no cost.
Regarding his family—whose main members have already died—he maintains contact mainly with his daughter-in-law (whom he considers his daughter) and his grandchildren. The distance is more geographical than emotional. “Everything is fine,” he concludes.
At 83 years old, Lucila Mariscal shows that true humor has no expiration date.
