Deep Thoughts: Latinos We Lost In 2011

By Michael Lopez

Sure people are all hyped up about the prospects of 2012. But it's important every New Year's Eve to reflect on those who are no longer with us. This year Blogamole said goodbye to quite a few íconos, all of whom will never be forgotten.

Though he wasn’t a household name to many of today's Tweeters and bloggers, Argentine writer Ernesto Sábato influenced generations with his mighty use of the pen. He passed away in April at the ripe old age of 99 and continued publishing works for the past 60 years. Sábato's masterpiece, Sobre Héroes y Tumbas, revolutionized surrealist literature and won him respect from top authors around the world.

Genaro Hernandez came from a very different world, but broke Latino boundaries in much the same way. A Mexican-American from South Central, he gained international recognition in the boxing community for his fast reflexes and powerhouse punches. Throughout his professional career, Genaro nabbed the WBC and WBA super featherweight belts and became a KO superstar in the late 1980's. Sadly, he succumbed to cancer back in June at the age of 45.

In July, the Latino world lost another incredible talent, but in a much more violent way. Argentine musician Facundo Cabral was viciously gunned down after a Guatemalan concert. Known for his positive songs and upbeat attitude, Cabral's murder left the music world stunned. Since the attack three suspects were arrested, which can at least provide some closure to this tragic story.

Mexican movie fans found themselves in deep mourning this past September. That's when the news broke that legendary comic Gaspar “Capulina” Henaine had passed away. Thankfully, Capulina was able to live a very full (and very funny) life in his 85 years. Throughout his career, Henaine made over 80 movies and appeared on dozens of TV shows. Stars like Carlos Ponce and Chespirito sent heartfelt condolences via the Twitterverse.

Just this past week, the drama world lost another Latino powerhouse. Pedro Armendariz Jr. passed away on Monday after a long bout with cancer. Embraced by both Mexican and American audiences, Pedro acted in dozens of box office hits throughout the years (including a few with Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas). His larger-than-life talent will certainly be missed.

And though she wasn't necessarily famous herself, Thalía's manager mother Yolanda Miranda passed away very unexpectedly in 2011. Far from just a gloating parent, Yolanda helped guide Thalía's career and deserves a lot of the credit for her daughter's success. Clearly devastated by her death, Thalía wrote several touching memories on her Twitter feed and will more than likely be dedicating her next album to madre's memory.

Did you lose anyone you loved in 2011? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Capulina, Celebrities, Cultura, Ernesto Sabato, Facundo Cabral, Genaro Hernandez, Pedro Armendariz, RIP, Thalía, Yolanda Miranda