Lyn May: The Life, Legacy, and Untold Stories of Mexico’s Iconic Vedette

Lyn May, born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares on December 12, 1952, in Guerrero, Mexico, is one of the most fascinating figures in Latin American entertainment history. Known as “La Diosa del Amor” (The Goddess of Love), she became one of the leading vedettes and sex symbols of the 1970s and 1980s Mexican Ficheras cinema. Her career spans over five decades, and her life is as dramatic and colorful as the films she appeared in.

Lyn May is more than just an actress—she is a dancer, singer, and performer whose personal story intertwines glamour, hardship, reinvention, and resilience. Despite controversies, cosmetic surgery mishaps, and media scandals, she remains a household name and an enduring cultural figure in Mexico and beyond.

Lyn May’s Early Life and Youth

Growing up in Guerrero, May’s childhood was marked by poverty. She left school early and began working at a young age to support her family. Her mixed heritage—Mexican with Chinese roots—gave her distinctive looks that set her apart in the entertainment world.

In her youth, she moved to Acapulco, where she worked as a waitress before being discovered as a dancer. Her talent and exotic appeal soon landed her opportunities in cabarets and nightclubs. Eventually, she was invited to perform at Teatro Blanquita, one of Mexico City’s most famous variety show venues, where she quickly rose to stardom.

Career in Movies and Music

Entry into Ficheras Cinema

Lyn May’s breakthrough came in the 1974 film Tívoli, a satirical take on the decline of Mexico’s cabaret culture. Her role showcased her dancing skills and undeniable screen presence, opening the door to dozens of film appearances.

During the height of the Ficheras genre—a style of Mexican comedy films filled with music, risqué humor, and sensuality—Lyn May starred in nearly 100 films. Some of her best-known works include:

• Carnival Nights (1978)

• The Loving Ones (1979)

• Spicy Chile (1983)

• Las tentadoras (1984)

These films solidified her as a sex symbol of the era. Alongside other vedettes such as Sasha Montenegro and Rossy Mendoza, she became an icon of Mexican cinema’s golden age of cabaret films.

Songs and Musical Appearances

Although primarily known for acting and dancing, Lyn May also ventured into music. She recorded songs that blended tropical rhythms and seductive cabaret style. She appeared in music videos such as Plastilina Mosh’s “Mr. P. Mosh” (1998) and later collaborated with Chilean singer Mon Laferte in the video for “Si tú me quisieras” (2016).

Her songs and musical performances were less about vocal range and more about her image as a captivating performer, blending sensuality with spectacle.

Lyn May’s Husbands and Family Life

Lyn May’s personal life has been as eventful as her career.

• First Husband: She married an older American sailor with whom she had two daughters. However, the marriage ended amid accusations of domestic and sexual abuse. This painful chapter influenced her later resilience and independence.

• Antonio Chi Su: Perhaps her most famous marriage was to Antonio Chi Su, a Chinese-Mexican businessman. They married in 1988 and together managed a Chinese restaurant in Mexico City. Their union lasted until 2008, when Chi Su passed away. Lyn May has openly spoken about the depth of her grief, even revealing that she unearthed his body and slept beside it for days, unable to accept his death.

• Guillermo Calderón Stell: After Chi Su’s death, she later married film producer Guillermo Calderón Stell, with whom she stayed until his passing in 2018.

Her family life is marked by love, tragedy, and resilience. Today, she remains close to her daughters and extended family, while continuing to perform and stay in the public eye.

Lyn May’s Age, Birthday, and Height

Born on December 12, 1952, Lyn May is currently 72 years old and will celebrate her 73rd birthday in December 2025. Despite her age, she continues to perform, proving her longevity as an entertainer.

As for her height, sources differ slightly, but she is generally reported to be between 5′6″ (167 cm) and 5′9″ (175 cm). Her commanding stage presence made her appear taller and larger-than-life during performances.

Lyn May’s Face and Cosmetic Surgery Scandal

One of the most widely discussed aspects of Lyn May’s life is her cosmetic surgery tragedy. In the 1990s, she underwent facial injections that were meant to improve her appearance. However, instead of medical-grade filler, she was allegedly injected with baby oil or cooking oil, which caused severe abscesses, swelling, and permanent facial disfigurement.

For years, tabloids fixated on her altered looks, and she became the subject of cruel jokes. Yet, Lyn May turned her personal misfortune into a platform—she now speaks openly about the dangers of unsafe cosmetic procedures, becoming a cautionary tale for others. Despite the hardships, her charisma and confidence continue to shine, proving that her legacy goes far beyond her physical appearance.

Scandals and Controversies

Lyn May has never shied away from the spotlight. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various controversies that only fueled her public image:

• Affair Rumor: She once claimed to have had an affair with a former President of Mexico, though she never revealed his name.

• Pregnancy at 68: In 2021, she shocked the media by announcing that she was pregnant with her 29-year-old fiancé, singer Markos D1. While the claim was later revealed to be a publicity stunt for her farewell tour, it generated worldwide headlines.

Her ability to stay relevant through bold statements, even in her later years, reflects her unique place in Mexican pop culture.

Legacy and Current Life

Today, Lyn May continues to perform, teach Tahitian dance, and make appearances on television. She remains a symbol of resilience, unapologetic sexuality, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

She was also featured in the 2016 documentary Beauties of the Night, which revisited the lives of legendary vedettes. This film introduced her to a new generation of audiences, reminding the world of her contributions to Mexican cinema and culture.

Despite personal hardships, Lyn May stands tall as a pioneer who pushed boundaries in Mexican entertainment. She is not just a figure of nostalgia—she is a living legend.

Conclusion: The Goddess of Love’s Enduring Impact

From her youth in Guerrero to her rise as a vedette, actress, and cultural icon, Lyn May’s story is one of survival, reinvention, and undeniable charisma. Whether remembered for her films, her marriages (especially with Antonio Chi Su), her songs, or the tragic tale of her face, she has left an indelible mark on Latin American pop culture.

As she enters her seventies, Lyn May continues to captivate audiences with the same boldness that made her a star decades ago. Her name is synonymous with the golden era of Mexican cabaret cinema, and her life serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale.

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