Lyn May, a renowned Mexican actress and showgirl, captivated audiences in nearly 100 films from the 1970s through the 1990s. Known for her striking beauty, magnetic stage presence, and undeniable charm, she quickly rose to fame, becoming a household name admired by everyday fans and influential figures alike. However, despite her success and stardom, one tragic mistake during a routine cosmetic procedure changed her appearance and life forever, leaving an indelible mark on her journey.
Born as Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in 1952, Lyn May hailed from Acapulco, Mexico. She was of Chinese-Mexican descent and faced significant financial hardships from a young age. In her early years, Lyn worked tirelessly to support her family, selling trinkets to tourists and later working as a waitress. While life presented many challenges, these formative experiences helped her develop the resilience and determination that would later define her career. During her time as a waitress, she met an older American sailor, and the two married. While their relationship began passionately, it soon became turbulent, and after five years, Lyn filed for divorce, citing abuse as the reason. Following the end of her marriage, Lyn returned to Acapulco, where she began exploring opportunities in dancing and performing—a pivotal decision that would pave the way for her eventual stardom.
Lyn’s career took off after her appearance on the popular Mexican television show Siempre en Domingo. Her beauty and magnetic stage presence made her an instant sensation, and her performances captivated audiences across the country. Shortly after her television debut, renowned theater owner Enrique Lombardini recognized Lyn’s talent and invited her to perform in his burlesque shows. Although initially hesitant, Lyn embraced the opportunity, developing a burlesque persona that earned her the nickname “The Goddess of Love.” Her provocative performances and bold style cemented her reputation as one of Mexico’s most captivating entertainers. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she became one of the leading actresses in the Ficheras film genre—a series of controversial yet highly popular films that explored the lives and adventures of working-class Mexicans. While the genre’s popularity began to fade in the 1990s, Lyn remained a beloved figure in Mexican entertainment.
At the height of her career in the early 1990s, Lyn sought to maintain her youthful appearance by undergoing a Botox procedure. What she believed would be a routine cosmetic enhancement turned into a devastating ordeal. Instead of the collagen injections she had expected, Lyn was injected with a harmful mixture of water, baby oil, and cooking oil. The botched procedure left her face lumpy and distorted, far from the smooth, youthful appearance she had hoped to achieve. This tragic incident not only altered her physical appearance but also subjected her to intense public scrutiny and personal struggles.
In an effort to reverse the damage, Lyn turned to plastic surgery. Unfortunately, the corrective procedures failed to deliver the results she had hoped for, and the effects of the initial injections remained visible. Despite this, Lyn’s resilience never wavered. She continued to work in the entertainment industry, making guest appearances on television and participating in documentaries. Her unwavering determination and enduring charm reminded audiences of her incredible talent and the vibrant personality that had made her a star.
Lyn’s personal life was equally as colorful and complex as her career. After her first tumultuous marriage ended, she found love again with billionaire Antonio Chi Su, whom she married in 1989. The couple ran a successful Chinese restaurant in Mexico City, but their happiness was cut short when Chi Su was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004. He passed away in 2008, leaving Lyn devastated. In her grief, she made headlines for an unusual act: she reportedly exhumed her husband’s body and kept it at home for a time, even sleeping beside his remains. Lyn later explained that this act stemmed from her deep love and inability to let go of her husband of 25 years.
In 2021, Lyn made headlines once again with a shocking announcement. At the age of 68, she claimed to be pregnant, with her fiancé—a man 39 years her junior—allegedly the father. The announcement went viral, sparking widespread disbelief and speculation. However, it was later revealed that the pregnancy claim was a publicity stunt for Lyn’s farewell tour. Her fiancé, Markos D1, admitted that their relationship had been brief and casual, and the announcement was meant to generate attention for Lyn’s final performances. While the revelation stirred controversy, it added another layer to the unpredictable and eccentric nature of her life.
Despite the challenges, controversies, and personal struggles she faced, Lyn May remains a cultural icon in Mexico. Her legacy is defined by her extraordinary performances, her resilience in overcoming adversity, and her enduring influence on Mexican cinema. From her humble beginnings as a dancer in Acapulco to her rise as a celebrated actress and the tragic cosmetic mishap that altered her life, Lyn’s story is a testament to the complexities of fame and the human desire for perfection. Her journey illustrates the enduring power of determination and reinvention, proving that even in the face of tragedy, one can remain an inspiring and captivating figure.
