Lyn May, a beloved figure in Mexican cinema, had a career that spanned decades, earning her recognition as a stunning actress and dancer. Known for her captivating beauty and undeniable stage presence, Lyn May rose to fame as the “Goddess of Love” in the 1970s and 1980s. But despite her success, there was one tragic mistake that forever altered her appearance and, ultimately, her life.
This article dives deep into the fascinating journey of Lyn May — a woman who appeared in nearly 100 films, charmed presidents, and lived a life full of unexpected twists. Her life story is one of ambition, heartache, and the dangerous pursuit of beauty that changed everything.
The Rise of Lyn May: From Humble Beginnings to Superstar
Lyn May, born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in 1952 in Acapulco, Mexico, didn’t have the typical path to stardom. Her early life was marked by financial struggles, which pushed her to find creative ways to support her family. As a young girl, she sold trinkets to tourists, and later worked as a waitress. It was at this job that she met an American sailor, who would become her first husband.
While their relationship was short-lived, it was a turning point for Lyn May, who moved to Mexico City after their divorce. Here, she began working as a dancer and quickly became a local sensation. Her performances caught the eye of influential figures, and soon she was featured on Siempre en Domingo, a popular Latin American TV show that skyrocketed her to fame.
Breakthrough into Burlesque and the Ficheras Film Genre
Lyn May’s true breakthrough came when she was introduced to the burlesque scene. Though initially hesitant, she soon embraced the bold, provocative style, which led to widespread success. Under the guidance of theater owner Enrique Lombardini, she became known as “The Goddess of Love.” Her daring performances in burlesque shows earned her a spot in the Ficheras film genre, a category of films that focused on working-class Mexicans and their sometimes controversial s**ual adventures.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Lyn May became a household name in Mexico, her performances both on-screen and on stage captivating audiences. Her reputation as an icon of sensuality and beauty made her an unforgettable figure in Mexican entertainment. But as the popularity of Ficheras films declined, Lyn May’s prominence started to fade as well.
Tragic Mistake: The Cosmetic Surgery That Changed Everything
In the early 1990s, Lyn May’s quest for beauty took a tragic turn. Like many women in the public eye, she was constantly under pressure to maintain her youthful appearance. Seeking to preserve her beauty, she decided to undergo a Botox procedure — a decision that would change her life forever.
What was intended to be a simple cosmetic procedure turned into a nightmare. The procedure went horribly wrong, and the results were far from what she had expected. The Botox injections didn’t have the desired effect, and instead, they caused irreversible damage to her facial appearance. She was left with lumps and deformities on her face, a reminder of her tragic mistake.
The Deceitful Scheme: Water and Oil Injections
The disaster didn’t stop there. In her efforts to rectify the damage, Lyn May fell victim to a con artist. She was promised a procedure that would restore her youthful looks, but instead, she was injected with a mixture of water, baby oil, and even cooking oil. These injections left her with permanent facial deformities that couldn’t be undone, no matter how much surgery she underwent.
Desperate to fix the harm caused by these fake treatments, Lyn May turned to plastic surgery. Unfortunately, her attempt to remove the oil deposits from her face only made things worse. Although a surgeon was able to remove a small portion of the foreign substances, the damage was done, and the lumps and uneven skin remained as painful reminders of her ill-fated journey.
The Public Reaction: Fame and Controversy
Despite the physical changes she endured, Lyn May’s resilience kept her in the public eye. She continued to make appearances on television, in music videos, and even documentaries, reminding the world of her once dazzling beauty and unforgettable charm. Her ability to reinvent herself and remain relevant in a rapidly changing entertainment industry only added to her mystique.
However, the tragic botched cosmetic surgery didn’t go unnoticed by the public. Media outlets and the public were quick to comment on her altered appearance, and many speculated on what had happened. Despite the media frenzy, Lyn May remained unapologetic about her choices, and her candidness about her mistakes only endeared her further to her fans. She became a symbol of both beauty and vulnerability, a woman who had lived through immense struggles and still stood strong.
Lyn May’s Personal Life: Tragedy, Love, and Bold Claims
While Lyn May’s professional life was filled with ups and downs, her personal life was equally eventful. After a tumultuous marriage to an American sailor, she found love again with billionaire Antonio Chi Su. They married in 1989 and co-owned a Chinese restaurant in Mexico City. Sadly, Chi Su was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and after a long battle, he passed away in 2008. Lyn May was devastated by the loss of her husband, so much so that she made headlines for an unimaginable act — she dug up his body and kept it with her for a period, even sleeping beside his remains.
Though this behavior was met with shock and criticism, Lyn May explained that she simply could not let go of her beloved husband. Eventually, with the help of her mother, she came to terms with his death, though the event remains one of the most talked-about aspects of her personal life.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding her, Lyn May once claimed to have had an affair with a former Mexican president. While she never revealed his identity, rumors have suggested that it was José López Portillo. This bold claim only added to her larger-than-life persona.
Pregnancy at 68: The Shocking Announcement and the Truth Behind It
In 2021, Lyn May made headlines once again, this time for announcing that she was pregnant at the age of 68. The news was shocking, as she claimed her fiancé, 29-year-old Markos D1, was the father. However, soon after making the announcement, it was revealed that the pregnancy might have been a publicity stunt. Markos D1, who was never in a serious relationship with Lyn May, confirmed that the pregnancy rumor was fabricated to boost her upcoming farewell tour.
Though the pregnancy story turned out to be false, it demonstrated the lengths Lyn May was willing to go to in order to remain relevant in the public eye. The controversy surrounding her pregnancy only added another chapter to her already eventful life.
Conclusion: The Complex Legacy of Lyn May
Lyn May’s life is a tapestry of triumphs, tragedies, and unexpected turns. From her rise as a beloved actress and dancer in Mexico to the tragic cosmetic surgery mishap that changed her appearance, Lyn May’s story is one of both resilience and vulnerability. Despite the challenges she faced, she remains an iconic figure in Mexican culture, a symbol of both beauty and the cost of fame.
Her journey serves as a reminder of the pressures placed on women in the entertainment industry and the lengths some will go to in order to preserve their looks. Whether it was her bold public acts, her personal tragedies, or her quest for beauty, Lyn May’s life continues to captivate and intrigue audiences around the world. Though her appearance may have changed, the essence of Lyn May — the woman, the icon — remains intact.
