A much-loved screen star has died after a private battle with cancer, leaving two children and a nation in mourning.
Elizabeth Ruiz, 48, died after a long fight with cancer.
Family members confirmed her death on Wednesday (16 Sep).
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She passed away at 6.40pm after a long illness that had kept her bedridden.
She had kept the diagnosis secret from the public.
Some television reports said she had colon cancer, although her family did not confirm this in their funeral notice.
The statement said: “With deep sorrow, we announce the death of our beloved Elizabeth Ruiz.”
They said her passing “leaves an immense void in our hearts and a legacy of affection”.
Ruiz died in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, where fans knew her as La Colorá.
She was best remembered as Sobeida in the hit comedy trilogy Lotomán.
The three films, directed by Archy López, came out in 2011, 2012 and 2014.
Her character later featured in the book La Sonrisa del Caribe.
She also appeared in the film Tubérculo Presidente and the stage play Malas.
Her career began in 1997 on a rum advert.
She then joined the Benedicto modelling agency.
In 2000, she joined the TV show 9×9, where the nickname La Colorá stuck.
Ruiz later hosted Rincón Paraíso and El Bachatón on Antena Latina.
She created, presented and produced her own show, Elizabeth Light.
She co-hosted the radio programme A Toa con Mamá on Rumba FM.
She also founded her production firm, La Colorá Films.
Ruiz leaves behind two children, Andrés Alfonso and Miranda.
Andrés is her son with filmmaker Alfonso Rodríguez.
Miranda is her daughter with businessman Francisco Javier Carrillo.
Rodríguez paid tribute to her on Instagram: “Today my son faces one of those pains that have no comparison: the departure of his mum.
“Son, if I could tear that pain from your chest and put it in mine, I would do it without thinking.
“If I could suffer it for you so you did not have to feel it, I would do it a thousand times.”
A week earlier, he had broken down on television.
He told presenter Luz García: “Superman also cries.”
Only last month, Ruiz marked her birthday on Instagram.
She wrote: “Happy birthday to me!
“One of the most beautiful celebrations with my loved ones, a magical day and night.”
A wake begins at noon today at the Blandino Funeral Home on Abraham Lincoln Avenue.
A funeral Mass is set for 9.30am tomorrow at the same chapel, as reported by Need To Know.
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