María Alicia Delgado’s son faces financial security after actress dies of pancreatic cancer

María Alicia Delgado died on Wednesday, November 4, from pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to her liver, kidney, and lungs. The comedian’s only child, Rafael, is 28 and has a hearing disability. Friends and family members stated that Delgado prepared financial arrangements to ensure he would not face economic hardship following her death.

A funeral mass took place in a venue in Mexico City on Thursday morning. Rafael, who has hearing impairment, addressed attendees and media. He thanked fans of his mother and those who supported him directly. “I want to say: thank you very much to all my mom’s fans and I want to thank all the people who also supported me,” he told reporter Berenice Ortiz. He described the period as difficult, noting, “It complicates me a bit because this was very hard for me. My mom and I talked about many things with our happiness.”

Carlos Bonavides, an actor and friend of the deceased, provided details on the financial planning. Speaking on the program “Sale el sol,” he stated that Delgado left instructions for executors so that Rafael would lack nothing. “She left the instructions of executors so that he will lack nothing,” Bonavides said. He added that he believed she had protected him well. Yodi Marcos, Delgado’s ex-wife and friend, emphasized that her son was the actress’s primary concern. Marcos promised to remain attentive to Rafael’s needs, noting their long history of closeness. “I made the promise that I will be attentive to him,” Marcos said.

In an interview with TVNotas in October 2025, Delgado explained why she continued working at age 76. She cited Rafael’s academic and medical expenses. “Thank God he is about to finish his Graphic Design degree. That is why I am still working. I still could not retire. Between university and his hearing aids, it is a lot,” she said. Rafael was born after a five-month pregnancy and spent weeks in intensive care. He later developed pulmonary hypertension and received diuretic treatment, which resulted in deafness.

Delgado’s health declined sharply in the three weeks before her death. Friends reported she experienced significant pain and fluid accumulation in her stomach and one lung. Doctors recommended a puncture to drain the fluid, but she refused. She did not leave the hospital after that point. Because she had not received treatment for the cancer, her condition deteriorated. She was known by the nickname “La Abuela” due to a famous character she portrayed.

The actress’s death follows a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer that spread to multiple organs. She declined further medical intervention during the final phase of her illness. Her son Rafael is currently finishing his degree in Graphic Design.