SAD NEWS: Beloved actress d!es after devastating c@ncer battle as family issue emotional statement
Beloved actress and television star Elizabeth Ruiz has died aged 48 following a private battle with cancer, her family has confirmed.
Ruiz, who was widely known by fans as La Colorá, died in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic after a long illness that had reportedly left her bedridden.
The actress had kept her diagnosis out of the public eye and was supported by her family and two children throughout her illness.
Her loved ones confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional statement.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the death of our beloved Elizabeth Ruiz,” the family said.
They added that her passing “leaves an immense void in our hearts and a legacy of affection.”
Family Kept Details of Illness Private
Some television reports have claimed that Ruiz had been suffering from colon cancer.
However, her family did not confirm the exact type of cancer in the funeral notice, meaning the specific diagnosis has not been publicly established by her relatives.
What is known is that she had been living with a terminal illness and had chosen to keep her health battle largely private.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans who followed her work across television, film, radio and theatre.
Ruiz became a familiar face in the Dominican Republic over a career spanning decades.
She was particularly well known for playing Sobediain in the hugely popular Lotomán comedy films.
The trilogy, directed by Archy López, was released across 2011, 2012 and 2014.
Her character later appeared in the book La Sonrisa del Caribe.
Career Spanned Television, Film and Radio
Ruiz also appeared in the film Tubérculo Presidente and the stage production Malas.
Her entertainment career began years earlier.
She first attracted attention in 1997 after appearing in a rum advertisement, which subsequently led to a modelling contract with the Benedicto agency.
By 2000, she had joined the television programme 9×9, where she became known by the nickname La Colorá.
From there, her career continued to grow.
Ruiz later presented Rincón Paraíso and El Bachatón on Antena Latina.
She went on to create, produce and present her own programme, Elizabeth Light, further establishing herself as a prominent media personality.
Her broadcasting work also extended to radio, where she co-hosted A Toa con Mamá on Rumba FM.
Star Later Created Her Own Production Company
Away from presenting and acting, Ruiz moved into production and founded her own company, La Colorá Films.
The move reflected the wide range of roles she had taken on throughout her career, from model and performer to presenter, producer and businesswoman.
She is survived by her two children, Andrés Alfonso and Miranda.
Her family remained close to her during her illness, which she had chosen not to discuss publicly.
The news of her death comes only around a month after Ruiz celebrated her 48th birthday.
At the time, she shared a joyful message on Instagram describing the celebration with her loved ones.
“Happy birthday to me!” she wrote.
“One of the most beautiful celebrations with my loved ones, a magical day and night.”
The post now carries added poignancy following confirmation of her death.
Funeral to Take Place in Dominican Republic
Ruiz’s funeral was scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic following the family’s announcement.
Her death has left fans remembering a career that touched several areas of the entertainment industry.
From her early modelling work to her breakthrough in television and later film appearances, Ruiz built a recognisable public presence over many years.
But for her family, the loss is far more personal.
Their statement made clear the scale of the grief surrounding her passing, describing the “immense void” she leaves behind.
At just 48, Ruiz leaves behind not only a body of work across television, film, radio and theatre, but also the two children and family members who supported her through her final illness.
