China Zorrilla Dies: ‘Elsa And Fred’ Uruguayan Legend Dead At 92

China Zorrilla has passed away at the age of 92. The legendary Uruguayan actress had been hospitalized since Sunday at the Asociación Española of Montevideo due to a respiratory problem. Eduardo Grandal, director of the hospital, had talked to the press about the condition of the actress. The director informed that Zorrilla had experienced bronchospasms and had to wear an oxygen mask to help her breath.

"The future is very difficult to see," he said also mentioning that her age was a factor. According to Clarín, China Zorrilla's respiratory issues started in 2008 when she became short of breath and was subsequently hospitalized. In 2011 she became ill and was forced to leave the entertainment industry. A year later she went back to her native Montevideo where she was taken care of her family.

Born as Concepción Matilde Zorrilla de San Martín Muñoz on March 14, 1922 in Montevideo, Zorrilla was a well-known actress that showcased her work in theatre, film and television. She made her debut in Paul Claudel's "The Tidings Brought To Mary" and later joined the National Comedy of Uruguay where she worked at the Solis Theatre and in the García Lorca classic "Blood Wedding."

In 1964 she moved to New York where she worked as a French teacher and Broadway secretary. One of her last movie roles was in the acclaimed Spanish-Argentine film "Elsa & Fred" directed by Marcos Carnevale. Other titles included "Tocar El Cielo," "Cuatro Caras Para Victoria," "La Peste," "Nunca Estuve En Viena," "Pobre Mariposa," "The Truce" and "Waiting For The Hearse." In television she was in an episode of "Mujeres Asesinas" and telenovelas like "Los Roldán," "Son Amores, "Enamorarte" and "Ricos y Famosos."