At the height of her fame, Lyn May, the Chinese-Mexican showgirl known as “The Goddess of Love,” captivated audiences and starred in nearly 100 films. Born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in Acapulco, 1952, Lyn overcame hardship, supporting her family as a child. After divorcing an abusive husband, she rose to prominence as a dancer, eventually starring in the popular Ficheras film genre.
Tragedy struck when a botched cosmetic procedure in her 30s left her disfigured. A con artist injected baby oil into her face instead of collagen, causing permanent damage. Despite attempts at corrective surgery, the scars remain.
Lyn’s personal life was equally dramatic. She admitted to exhuming her husband’s body after his death and once claimed an affair with a Mexican president. In 2021, she stirred controversy by fabricating a pregnancy at age 68 as a publicity stunt.
Through triumphs and missteps, Lyn May remains an icon of resilience.
