Lyn May isn’t just a name in Mexican pop culture—she’s an icon. Known for her electrifying dance routines, captivating film roles, and rumored romances with powerful men, Lyn carved a legacy that few could rival. But behind the dazzling costumes, seductive stage presence, and infamous public moments, lies a painful truth—one etched forever into her face.
Her story is one of rising from poverty, surviving heartbreak, conquering the stage, and falling victim to a beauty obsession gone horribly wrong. Let’s unravel the highs and heartbreaks of Lyn May’s extraordinary life.
Humble Beginnings and a Life-Altering Love
Born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in 1952 in Acapulco, Lyn came from modest roots. With Chinese-Mexican heritage and a fierce work ethic, she supported her family from a young age by selling souvenirs and waiting tables. It was during this chapter of her life that she met her first husband—an American sailor, 30 years her senior.
The relationship led her to Mexico City, where she had two daughters. But the love didn’t last. Lyn later alleged that her husband was abusive, even accusing him of exploiting their children. She left him after five traumatic years, forever changed by the experience.
A Star Is Born: From Waitress to Showgirl Sensation
Video: Her Best Friend Ruined Her Face… Forever
After her divorce, Lyn returned to Acapulco and found her rhythm as a dancer. Her fearless charm caught the attention of television producers, and soon she was performing on Siempre en Domingo, the most influential variety show in Latin America at the time.
It was in the world of burlesque where Lyn truly became a phenomenon. Despite initial hesitation, she embraced the genre—and the audience embraced her back. When she finally shed her inhibitions on stage, the response was electric. Businessman Enrique Lombardini dubbed her “The Goddess of Love,” and the name stuck.
She quickly became the queen of Ficheras films, a popular and provocative genre in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its mix of humor, sensuality, and social commentary.
Behind the Fame: Love, Loss, and a Shocking Decision
Just as her star was peaking, Lyn met businessman Antonio Chi Su, her second husband. They opened a Chinese restaurant in Mexico City and built a seemingly happy life. But tragedy struck in 2008 when Antonio passed away after battling cancer.
Heartbroken and unable to accept the loss, Lyn made a decision that shocked the world. In a TV interview, she confessed to exhuming her husband’s body and sleeping beside his remains at home.
“I lived with him for 25 years. I didn’t want to let him go,” she said.
It was a haunting moment that revealed the depth of her grief—and the lengths to which she’d go for love.
The Botox Disaster That Changed Her Face Forever
In the early 1990s, Lyn May sought cosmetic treatments to preserve her beauty. Like many performers, she felt pressure to maintain her appearance. But one fateful procedure changed everything.
According to reports, she fell victim to a scam artist posing as a cosmetic specialist. Instead of receiving safe collagen injections, Lyn was injected with substances like cooking oil or baby oil.
The result? Disfiguring lumps that altered her once-famous face. She underwent surgery to try and reverse the damage, but only a small portion of the material could be removed. What remained was a painful and permanent reminder of a beauty pursuit gone wrong.
Lyn never shied away from acknowledging her mistake. Her honesty gave her critics less power—and her fans even more admiration for her vulnerability.
A Love Affair with Power—and Controversy
Video: The Downside of Chasing Eternal Youth: Lyn May’s Transformation Over the Years
Over the years, Lyn May often made headlines for her bold statements. One of the most talked-about? Her claim that she had an affair with a former President of Mexico. While she never named him, speculation swirled around José López Portillo, who later married actress Sasha Montenegro.
Whether fact or fiction, the rumor only added to Lyn’s mystique—and cemented her status as one of Mexico’s most talked-about entertainers.
The Pregnancy That Shook Social Media
In August 2021, at 68 years old, Lyn announced on Instagram that she was three months pregnant with her 29-year-old fiancé, singer Markos D1.
The internet went wild. Was it true? Could she really become the oldest mother in the world?
A few weeks later, the truth unraveled. Markos revealed they had no actual relationship and that Lyn had likely fabricated the story for publicity.
“We drank so much that I don’t even know what happened that night,” he said.
Lyn later admitted it was a stunt to promote her farewell tour. Love her or not, you couldn’t deny her flair for staying in the spotlight.
Living With the Scars: A Face That Tells a Thousand Stories
Despite her disfigurement, Lyn May never disappeared. She embraced the public eye with the same fire that made her famous. Her face, though altered, became a symbol of caution—but also survival.
She appeared in TV shows, music videos, and interviews. She laughed, she performed, and she stayed fearless. Her story became more than just about beauty—it became about owning your scars, both literal and emotional.
Conclusion: The Woman Behind the Legend
Lyn May is more than her films, her scandals, or her surgeries. She’s a survivor. A woman who rose from poverty, endured abuse, battled heartbreak, faced public ridicule, and still managed to live boldly.
Her face may carry the marks of tragedy, but her spirit remains unshaken. Through all the chaos, she never stopped performing, never stopped speaking her truth, and never stopped being unapologetically herself.
