Lyn May, the dazzling Chinese Mexican showgirl, once captivated audiences with her enchanting performances and mesmerizing beauty. Known as “The Goddess of Love,” May’s life has been as extraordinary as her career, filled with highs and lows that few could imagine. At the height of her fame, a single twist of fate dramatically altered her life, leaving her to navigate the complexities of personal struggle, public scrutiny, and the relentless pursuit of her own identity.
Born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in 1952, Lyn May hailed from Acapulco, Mexico, with a rich heritage that blended Chinese and Mexican cultures. Her early life was far from glamorous. Growing up in a modest household, Lyn quickly learned that nothing came for free. From a young age, she contributed to her family’s income by selling souvenirs to tourists, a small but crucial role that helped her family make ends meet.
As a young woman, Lyn’s life took a dramatic turn when she met her first great love, a 30-year-older American sailor, while working as a waitress. Despite the significant age difference, the couple became inseparable, and Lyn moved to Mexico City with her new husband.
Together, they had two daughters. However, their marriage was marred by darkness; after five years, Lyn left her husband, accusing him of physical abuse and the sexual exploitation of their children. This traumatic experience marked the end of her first marriage and the beginning of her journey towards independence.
After leaving her husband, Lyn May returned to Acapulco, where she began working as a dancer. Despite having little formal training, her natural charisma and confidence on stage quickly set her apart. Her unique style caught the attention of television producers, and soon, Lyn May found herself on one of Latin America’s most popular TV shows, Siempre en Domingo.
Lyn May’s rising fame didn’t go unnoticed. Businessman Enrique Lombardini, who owned the famous Teatro Esperanza Iris, invited her to perform in his burlesque shows. Initially hesitant, Lyn’s discomfort with the provocative performances was evident, leading to a cold reception from audiences. But within a week, she decided to fully embrace the burlesque style. Her bold decision paid off, transforming her into a sensation. Lombardini dubbed her “Lyn May: The Goddess of Love,” and she became a central figure in the Ficheras films of the 1970s and 1980s, a genre known for its humorous and provocative tales of working-class Mexicans.
As the popularity of Ficheras films waned in the late 1980s, so did Lyn May’s prominence in the entertainment industry. The genre that had made her a star was no longer in vogue, and Lyn began to fade from the public eye. However, she was far from finished. The late 1990s marked her triumphant return to television, where she continued to captivate audiences with her bold personality and fearless public appearances.
Lyn May’s life wasn’t just a story of fame and glamour; it was also marked by personal struggles and public scandals. After her tumultuous relationship with her first husband, she found love again with businessman Antonio Chi Su. The couple married in 1989 and opened a Chinese restaurant in Mexico City. Their partnership was strong, but tragedy struck in 2004 when Chi Su was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Lyn stood by his side throughout his illness, but his death in 2008 left her devastated. In her grief, Lyn took an extraordinary step, one that shocked the public and added another layer to her complex persona.
Overcome by sorrow after Chi Su’s death, Lyn May confessed to something that left the public stunned. In a candid interview on El Minuto Que Cambió Mi Destino, she revealed that she had exhumed her husband’s body and brought it home, where she slept beside his remains. “I lived with him for 25 years; it was a 25-year marriage, and I didn’t want to let him go. I loved him… Yes, I dug him up and slept beside him,” Lyn admitted. Her mother eventually persuaded her to let go, but this shocking act highlighted the depth of her grief and the lengths to which she would go to keep her loved ones close.
Lyn May has never shied away from controversy, and one of the most provocative claims she made was that she had an affair with a former President of Mexico. Though she never disclosed the identity of the president, rumors suggest that it might have been José López Portillo, who was also rumored to have had a relationship with actress Sasha Montenegro. Whether true or not, this claim added to Lyn’s mystique and the aura of scandal that has often surrounded her.
In August 2021, Lyn May made headlines once again with a stunning announcement: at the age of 68, she was pregnant with her 29-year-old fiancé Markos D1’s child. The news sent shockwaves around the world, with many questioning the authenticity of her claim. Lyn posted a baby scan video on Instagram, revealing a due date of January 12, 2022. If true, her pregnancy would have made her one of the oldest mothers in history, surpassing even the Guinness World Record for the oldest confirmed mother.
However, the pregnancy announcement soon unraveled. Lyn began deleting posts about her engagement and pregnancy, and it became clear that the relationship with Markos D1 might not have been as serious as she had suggested. In an interview with Newsweek, Markos revealed that the pregnancy announcement was likely a publicity stunt for Lyn May’s upcoming farewell tour. This revelation added yet another twist to the already complex and intriguing life of Lyn May.
Lyn May’s quest for beauty has been a significant part of her public persona, but it has also led to one of the most tragic chapters in her life. As an exotic dancer and actress, Lyn was always meticulous about her appearance. However, a routine cosmetic procedure in the early 1990s went horribly wrong, changing her life forever.
According to reports, Lyn May was deceived by a con artist who promised to rejuvenate her appearance with collagen injections. Instead, she was injected with cooking oil, baby oil, or water—substances that were never meant for cosmetic use. The results were disastrous, leaving her face disfigured with unsightly lumps. In her 30s, Lyn turned to plastic surgery in an attempt to correct the damage, but the situation only worsened. Despite multiple surgeries, the effects of the botched procedure remained, a constant reminder of the dangers of unregulated cosmetic treatments.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Lyn May remains an icon of strength and resilience. Her life story is not just one of fame and beauty, but also of personal struggle, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of her own path. From her early days as a young girl selling souvenirs in Acapulco to becoming one of Mexico’s most famous showgirls, Lyn May’s journey is a testament to her indomitable spirit.
Lyn May’s appeal lies not only in her talent and beauty but also in her ability to captivate the public with her bold personality and fearless approach to life. Whether she’s making headlines with shocking revelations or overcoming personal adversity, Lyn May continues to be a figure of intrigue and admiration. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, it’s possible to rise above and continue to shine.
Lyn May’s life is a story of dazzling highs and heartbreaking lows, of fame, scandal, and resilience. As one of Mexico’s most iconic showgirls, she has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the hearts of those who have followed her journey. From her early struggles to her rise to fame, and from personal tragedies to public scandals, Lyn May’s story is one of perseverance and the unyielding pursuit of her own identity. Despite the challenges she has faced, Lyn May remains a symbol of strength, beauty, and resilience—a true Goddess of Love.
