Mercedes Carreño, publicly known as “Meche Carreño,” was a significant figure in Mexican cinema. Born Maria Mercedes Carreño Nava on September 15, 1947, in Minatitlan Veracruz, she became a celebrated actress, producer, and writer. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a cultural icon is a testament to her talent and determination. As the youngest daughter of Malaquías Nava and Daniel Carreño, Mercedes grew up alongside her sisters, Bella Newton Nava and Digna Cruz Nava, and her brother, Felix Cruz Nava. The family’s move to the bustling Mexico City during her youth marked a period of hardship, yet it also paved the way for Mercedes’s artistic pursuits.
Mercedes’s foray into the world of performing arts began when her mother and sister Digna supported her enrollment at the prestigious “Andres Soler Academy for Dramatic Arts.” It was here that Mercedes Carreño’s innate talent flourished. She excelled in her studies and actively participated in numerous theater productions, even collaborating with the renowned Alejandro Jodorowsky. This early exposure to the dramatic arts laid a solid foundation for her future career in film.
Image alt text: Mercedes Carreno portraying a dramatic role in the acclaimed Mexican film “La Choca”, showcasing her acting prowess.
Simultaneously, Mercedes ventured into modeling, achieving notoriety as the first Mexican woman to be publicly photographed wearing the daring “monoquini” swimsuit. These images catapulted Mercedes Carreño to instant fame, earning her the moniker “The Monoquini Girl.” This newfound recognition led to a professional relationship with photographer Jose Lorenzo Zakany Almada, who hired her as a model. Their personal relationship blossomed, culminating in marriage in 1967. Mercedes and Jose had a son, Jose Zakany Carreño.
Venturing into filmmaking, Mercedes Carreño collaborated with her brother Felix Cruz Nava to write a film script. Jose Zakany undertook the production of this script, investing his own resources into what became the successful movie “Damiana y los Hombres” in 1967. This marked the beginning of Mercedes’s journey as a film producer. Following their initial success, Mercedes and Zakany continued their cinematic partnership, producing “Andante” in 1969, “La Sangre Enemiga” in 1971, and “La Inocente” in 1972. However, their professional and personal paths diverged, and Mercedes and Zakany divorced shortly after.
Image alt text: Young Mercedes Carreno in a black and white modeling photograph, highlighting her early career as “The Monoquini Girl” and her impact on Mexican fashion.
A pivotal moment in Mercedes Carreño’s acting career arrived in 1973 when she was cast by the esteemed Mexican director Emilio Fernandez in his award-winning film “La Choca.” This role became one of Mercedes’s most significant achievements, earning her an “Ariel Award,” the Mexican equivalent of an Oscar. This accolade solidified her status as a leading actress in Mexican cinema. Riding the wave of success, Mercedes continued to star in other notable films, including “La Otra Virginidad” (1975), “El Mar” (1977), and “La Mujer Perfecta” (1979), directed by Juan Manuel Torres, with whom she had her second son, Juan Maria Torres Carreño. She also reunited with Emilio Fernandez for “Zona Roja” (1976).
In 1979, following the untimely death of Juan Manuel Torres, Mercedes Carreño relocated to New York City with her two sons. There, she married American Stephen George. During this period, Mercedes dedicated herself to developing film scripts and prioritizing her children’s education, stepping away from the limelight for a while. In 1981, she returned to Mexico to participate in the film “El Noa Noa” alongside the iconic singer Juan Gabriel, demonstrating her enduring appeal and versatility.
Image alt text: Mercedes Carreno proudly holding her Ariel Award, recognizing her outstanding performance in “La Choca” and her contribution to Mexican cinema.
Later in life, during the 2000s, Mercedes married Frenchman Daniel Malfatti. In her later years, she embraced a life of travel, writing, painting, and actively engaging in humanitarian projects. After a two-year battle with anemia and cancer, Mercedes Carreño passed away on July 21, 2022, in Harlingen, Texas. Those close to her during her final days spoke of a profound sense of peace and gratitude that surrounded her, even in the face of impending death. She expressed confidence in her spiritual reconciliation and connection with Jesus Christ.
Mercedes Carreño’s legacy lives on through her cinematic contributions and her personal journey. She is survived by her husband, Daniel Malfatti, her son Jose Zakany Carreño, her daughter-in-law Norma Zakany, and her four grandchildren: Diego Zakany, Joshuah Zakany, David Zakany, and Elisah Zakany. Mercedes Carreño remains an unforgettable figure in Mexican cinema, remembered for her talent, beauty, and resilience.
