Renowned Mexican Actor Gastón Melo Dies at 87
A Pillar of National Theater Leaves Behind a Rich Legacy
Mexico City mourns the passing of celebrated actor Gastón Melo, who died on the night of July 21 at the age of 87. The National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (inbal) confirmed the news, remembering him as a pivotal figure in Mexican theater for over sixty years.
A Life Dedicated to the Stage and Screen
Born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, in 1938, Melo‘s extensive training provided a strong foundation for his prolific career. He studied Spanish literature with a focus on dramatic arts at UNAM, philosophy at the University of Montreal, and theatrical arts through both inbal and the Academy of Seki Sano. Further enhancing his skills, he studied in Paris at the Institute of Theater Studies of La Sorbonne and with Tania Bolachova.
His artistic journey commenced in the late 1950s with the Poetry collective aloud, an experimental group where he shared the stage with notable figures such as Juan José Gurrola, Nancy Cárdenas, Ofelia Guilmáin, Juan Ibáñez, Ana Ofelia Murguía, and Raúl Dantes. His stage presence remained a constant from that point forward.
Throughout his career, Melo participated in approximately 20 plays and over 50 films, spanning productions in Mexico, Europe, and the United States. His versatility also extended to television series and programs.
Honored for a Lifetime of Artistic Contribution
Since 2016, Melo was a consistent member of the National Theater Company (CNT). In 2022, his significant contributions were recognized with an “actor number” designation. That same year, he was honored at a gala celebrating the CNT’s 50th anniversary at the Palace of Fine Arts for his unwavering dedication to the performing arts.
Within the CNT, his performances in key productions included The big dead by Luisa Josefina Hernández, directed by José Caballero; The coexistence of the deceased, written and directed by Martín Zapata; and Beat by Barbara Colio.
In his later years, Melo lent his voice to Central American Book of the Dead, a production directed by Érika de la Vega, based on poems by Balam Rodrigo, showcasing his deep sensitivity and commitment to diverse forms of dramatic expression.
The Federal Ministry of Culture, inbal, and the CNT have expressed profound sorrow and offered condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. They lauded his legacy as “one of the pillars of contemporary theater in Mexico and highlighted their unwavering commitment to the performing arts.”
The impact of actors like Melo is significant; a 2023 report by Mexico’s Secretariat of Culture indicated that cultural and artistic activities contributed approximately 3.4% to the national GDP, underscoring the economic and societal importance of individuals in the arts sector (El Economista 2023).