In Mexican popular culture, there is a theory that says that “they leave in threes,” a strange and sometimes disturbing phenomenon, which maintains that when a public figure dies, two more always accompany him in his departure. In recent weeks, this curious idea has gained strength again due to the tragic deaths of three legends of Mexican entertainment: Daniel Bisogno, Paquita la del Barrio and Tongolele, who left an irreparable void in the culture and art of the country.
Daniel Bisogno: An Icon of Mexican Television
On February 20, 2025, the beloved host of Ventaneando, Daniel Bisogno, passed away at the age of 51 due to complications resulting from a liver transplant performed in 2024. Bisogno was one of the most controversial and popular figures in the world of television, known for his direct style, his acid humor and his great ability to generate headlines.
Throughout his career, Daniel earned the affection and, at times, controversy of the Mexican public for his caustic comments and his unfiltered approach to showbiz. Although his life was marked by personal health struggles, his departure surprised everyone, as he remained active in his work until his death, leaving a void in the world of Mexican television.
Paquita from the Neighborhood: The Voice that Empowered Women
On February 17, 2025, another icon of Mexican entertainment, Paquita la del Barrio, said goodbye to the world at the age of 78 due to a sudden heart attack. Her death was unexpected and shocked her fans and the Mexican entertainment world. The singer, whose real name was Francisca Viveros Barradas, passed away at home surrounded by her family, leaving a deep sadness in her legion of followers.
Throughout her career, Paquita earned a place of honor in the hearts of the Mexican people for her powerful songs, in which she empowered women and denounced the injustices they faced, all with an unmistakable and soulful voice.
With iconic songs like La Rata de Dos Patas and Las Mujeres de Mi General, Paquita became the quintessential figure of ranchera music, leaving a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations. Her passing marked the end of a golden era in Mexican popular music, and the nation mourned her farewell with deep respect.
Tongolele: The Queen of Cabaret and Salsa
The third star to join this tragic cycle was the unforgettable Tongolele. The actress, singer and dancer, born as María Luisa García, passed away on February 16, 2025 at the age of 88, due to complications arising from kidney failure. Tongolele was one of the great figures of Mexican cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, and her charisma on stage made her one of the most beloved artists in the country.
Throughout her career, Tongolele starred in cabaret films, as well as becoming a pioneer of salsa and tropical music in Mexico. Her stage presence was electrifying, and her unique style captivated audiences for decades. With her passing, one of the brightest lights of the golden age of Mexican cinema and cabaret is extinguished, but her artistic legacy will live on forever.
The “They Go in Threes” Phenomenon
The popular saying that great figures in the entertainment industry “leave in threes” takes on special meaning in this case. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this theory, the fact that three such beloved and relevant stars of Mexican entertainment have passed away so close in time has generated a collective reflection on this phenomenon.
The death of Daniel Bisogno, Paquita la del Barrio and Tongolele has left a void in Mexican culture, a pain shared by millions of fans who saw in these artists not only entertainment, but an important part of their identity and the history of Mexico.
A National Mourning
The deaths of Daniel Bisogno, Paquita la del Barrio and Tongolele represent not only the departure of three great artists, but also of three figures who left their mark on Mexican music, television and cinema. The saying “they leave in threes” resonates more than ever in the hearts of Mexicans, who mourn the loss of these icons who marked an era.
Although their bodies are no longer with us, their legacy lives on in the songs, memories and stories they left us. These three stars will always shine in the sky of Mexican entertainment, leaving a void that will be impossible to fill.
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