Lyn May, the glamorous Chinese-Mexican showgirl who charmed presidents and graced nearly 100 films, was at the peak of her stardom when an unexpected and devastating event altered the course of her life. In the early 1990s, what was supposed to be a routine Botox procedure took a tragic turn, resulting in a catastrophic change to her appearance.
You may not have heard of Lyn May, but in Mexico, she’s a revered cultural icon. Dubbed “The Goddess of Love,” her life story is as fascinating as her celebrated career. A dazzling star of the Mexican film industry, she captivated audiences and even sparked rumors of enchanting political leaders, including presidents. Her incredible journey is one for the ages—let’s dive in.
The American Sailor
Born Lilia Guadalupe Mendiola Mayares in 1952 in Acapulco, Mexico, Lyn May’s roots trace back to her Chinese heritage. From an early age, she understood the value of hard work, helping to support her family by selling souvenirs to tourists. As she got older, her determination led her to a waitressing job, a role that would forever change her life. It was there she met her first great love, an American sailor who was 30 years her senior. This encounter marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter in her remarkable life.
Despite the significant age gap, Lyn May and her husband appeared inseparable. She relocated to Mexico City with him, and the couple had two daughters together. However, their marriage took a dark turn. After five years, Lyn left her husband, accusing him of physical abuse and the sexual exploitation of their children.
Finding Her Breakthrough
Following her divorce, Lyn May returned to Acapulco and began working as a dancer. Despite lacking formal training, she quickly stood out for her captivating moves and bold style, often performing in a miniskirt. What started as a modest job soon became a springboard for greater opportunities.
Her talent and charisma landed her a spot on Siempre en Domingo, a wildly popular and influential television show in Latin America. The exposure catapulted her into the spotlight, making her a household name throughout the region.
Lyn’s newfound fame caught the eye of businessman Enrique Lombardini, who invited her to join his burlesque shows at the iconic Teatro Esperanza Iris. Initially, Lyn was uncomfortable with the proposition, and her hesitation was evident on stage. When she refused to fully undress during her performances, some audience members responded with boos, adding a challenging start to her burlesque career.
Within a week, Lyn May fully embraced the burlesque style, and her decision to shed her clothes on stage proved to be a turning point. The audience’s reaction was electric, creating an uproar among the male patrons. Her powerful stage presence so impressed Enrique Lombardini that he bestowed her with the title “Lyn May: The Goddess of Love.”
Her newfound fame propelled her into the spotlight of the Ficheras film genre, a popular Mexican cinema movement of the 1970s and 1980s that featured comedic and provocative stories centered on the lives and escapades of working-class characters. Lyn became one of the most recognizable figures of this era.
However, as the Ficheras genre began to lose its appeal, Lyn May’s presence in the entertainment industry also began to fade, gradually stepping out of the limelight.
In the late 1990s, Lyn May made a triumphant return to television, reclaiming her place in the spotlight. Known for her bold statements and eye-catching public appearances, she once again captivated audiences with her fearless personality and magnetic presence.
She showcased her versatility by appearing in music videos, popular television shows, and documentaries, reminding the world of the unique charm and charisma that had cemented her status as a star.
A New Love and Heartbreaking Loss
After her tumultuous first marriage ended, Lyn May found love again with businessman Antonio Chi Su. The pair tied the knot in 1989 and worked together to open a Chinese restaurant in Mexico City. Their partnership flourished both personally and professionally, but their happiness was tested in 2004 when Chi Su was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Lyn stood by her husband’s side throughout his battle, offering unwavering support. Despite their bravery and strength, Chi Su passed away in 2008, leaving Lyn to mourn the loss of a devoted partner and the life they had built together.
Overwhelmed by grief after the death of her husband, Lyn May took drastic and unusual measures to cope with her loss. In a revealing interview on El Minuto Que Cambió Mi Destino, she confirmed shocking rumors that had long surrounded her. Lyn admitted that she had exhumed her husband’s body, brought it home, and even slept beside his remains.
“I was married to him for 25 years—I didn’t want to let him go. I loved him deeply,” Lyn shared. “Yes, I dug him up and slept beside him.”
She also recounted how her mother desperately tried to convince her to let go, warning her, “You are not letting him rest.” Despite daily arguments, Lyn found it difficult to part with the man she had loved for so long. Eventually, her mother persuaded her to say goodbye, though Lyn did not disclose how long she lived with the remains or how she ultimately moved on.
A Claim of a Presidential Affair
Never one to shy away from bold revelations, Lyn May once claimed to have had an affair with a former President of Mexico, though she chose not to disclose his identity. Speculation points to José López Portillo, who was also rumored to have had a relationship with, and later married, actress Sasha Montenegro.
New Love and Another Loss
In 2008, Lyn May married film producer Guillermo Calderón Stell. The couple remained together until his death in 2018, marking another chapter of love and loss in Lyn’s extraordinary life.
Pregnant at 68
In August 2021, Lyn May stunned the public with a surprising announcement: at 68 years old, she revealed she was pregnant. Her 29-year-old fiancé, singer Markos D1, was reportedly the father, making headlines once again as Lyn proved her life remains as extraordinary and unpredictable as ever.
The announcement sparked worldwide intrigue and skepticism, as many questioned whether this extraordinary revelation was genuine.
“I am very happy to announce that I am three months pregnant, and Markos D1 is very happy that he will be a dad,” Lyn May wrote on Instagram, igniting a media frenzy.
Just weeks later, she thrilled her followers with an update on her pregnancy, sharing a short video of her baby scan and proudly displaying a due date of January 12, 2022. The news quickly made headlines globally, not only for its uniqueness but also for its potential to break records. According to Guinness World Records, the oldest confirmed mother, María del Carmen Bousada Lara from Spain, gave birth to twin boys at age 66 in 2006. If Lyn May’s pregnancy had been successful, she would have set a new benchmark. For perspective, in the U.S. alone, 539 births were recorded among mothers over 50 between 1997 and 1999.
However, doubts about the authenticity of the announcement soon emerged. Lyn May, who had also revealed plans to marry her fiancé, Markos D1 (real name Marcos Hernandez), began deleting posts related to both the engagement and her pregnancy, leaving many to wonder what had truly transpired.
It later came to light that Lyn May’s relationship with Marcos Hernandez, known professionally as Markos D1, might not have been as serious as she had portrayed. In an interview with Newsweek, the California-based musician revealed that any possibility of conception would have stemmed from a single, alcohol-fueled encounter.
“We never had an actual relationship,” Markos stated. “It was strange to me. I went to Mexico for an event at the Pepsi Center that we were invited to. We drank—a lot. I drank so much that I don’t even know what happened that night. It was just a wild, crazy evening.”
“And then… she never said anything to me. Suddenly, I started getting messages on Instagram like, ‘Congratulations, you’re going to be a dad,’ and it just spiraled out of control,” Marcos Hernandez shared.
In a follow-up interview with Newsweek, the California-based musician revealed that he eventually confronted Lyn May about the situation. According to Marcos, the Mexican actress and dancer admitted that the pregnancy announcement had been fabricated as a publicity stunt to promote her upcoming farewell tour.
The Truth About Her Appearance
Throughout her career as an exotic dancer and actress, Lyn May has been known for her meticulous attention to her appearance. Early photographs highlight her striking beauty, which captivated audiences and made her a magnet for admirers. Her dedication to her image was a hallmark of her stardom.
Lyn May’s relentless pursuit of beauty has come with significant challenges. Early in her career, she sought to refine her facial features, focusing on enhancing her cheekbones and jawline through cosmetic treatments. However, one ill-fated attempt at enhancement turned into a lifelong ordeal.
According to OkChicas, Lyn fell victim to a con artist who promised to rejuvenate her appearance. Trusting and eager, she agreed to the procedure, believing she would receive collagen injections—a common, temporary treatment designed to smooth skin and reduce wrinkles. Instead, she was injected with a harmful substance, believed to be cooking oil, baby oil, or water.
The disastrous procedure left her with permanent lumps on her face, a visible reminder of the ordeal. In her 30s, Lyn turned to plastic surgery in an attempt to reverse the damage. While a surgeon was able to remove a small amount of the substance, the results were far from what she had hoped for, and the scars of the experience remain a testament to the risks she endured in her quest for beauty.
Despite the challenges she has faced—including a devastating cosmetic mishap and relentless public scrutiny—Lyn May continues to captivate audiences with her resilience and determination.
Her journey transcends the realms of fame and beauty, shedding light on the deeper complexities of personal struggles and the unwavering pursuit of a life carved on her own terms. Lyn’s story is a testament to strength in the face of adversity and the enduring power of self-reinvention.
