Mara Escalante: "A los 50 he hecho lo que quería"

Mara Escalante, a Mexican comedian and actress known for her iconic character Doña Lucha, has reached the age of 50 and reflected on her journey with a sense of accomplishment and determination. In a recent interview, she stated, “At 50, I have done what I wanted.” Her words resonate beyond personal achievement, touching on broader themes of aging, dreams, and perseverance in a society often quick to dismiss the ambitions of older individuals. Escalante’s career has been marked by a blend of comedy and music, though her primary identity has always been rooted in performance. She began her artistic journey early, accompanying her parents, actor Mario Cid and actress Margarita Escalante, to theaters and film sets during her childhood. It was there that she decided she wanted to dedicate her life to the stage. She pursued formal training, studying acting at the Instituto Andrés Soler and later earning a degree in Dramatic Literature and Theater from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Despite her education and family connections, Escalante faced challenges in securing steady work as an actress. She recalls knocking on many doors without success until she participated in a workshop led by actor and director Julián Pastor. This experience revealed her potential in comedy, leading her to take over the role of Nora Velázquez, better known as Chabelita, in the long-running show Bar Miau in the early 1990s. The breakthrough solidified her place in the entertainment industry. Over the years, Escalante became synonymous with the character Doña Lucha, a portrayal of a stern, self-sacrificing mother figure who became a cultural icon. Her performances were both humorous and poignant, capturing the complexities of everyday life with sharp wit. She appeared in numerous television programs, including Humor es… los comediantes, Al ritmo de la noche, Otro rollo, and Hoy. These roles helped establish her reputation as one of Mexico’s most versatile performers. In addition to her comedic work, Escalante has explored other creative avenues. She has made appearances in films such as El tamaño sí importa and has recently ventured into music. Her debut album, Saturnina, released in 2023, drew inspiration from the tradition of plañideras, women who were paid to mourn at funerals. The project was initially conceived as part of a theatrical production, but it evolved into a more substantial musical endeavor. Now, with the release of her second album, Corazón de barro, she continues to challenge the notion that age limits creativity or ambition. Speaking about her new work, Escalante emphasized the importance of pursuing dreams regardless of age. “To the elderly, I would say: take those dreams out of the drawer and bring them to life,” she said. “There are things that fill your stomach and things that fill your soul. To the young, I would say: it’s okay if you haven’t achieved some of your goals yet. Look at me, at 50, I’m realizing one of mine.” Her message reflects a lifelong commitment to artistry and authenticity. From her early days on stage to her current ventures in music, Escalante has consistently defied expectations and embraced the freedom to evolve. As she continues to explore new creative paths, her story serves as a testament to the power of persistence and the enduring relevance of artistic expression.