When it comes to unforgettable cinematic moments, Rebekah Del Rio’s haunting rendition of “Llorando” in Mulholland Drive has long stood as one of the most emotionally powerful scenes in film history.
Now, that iconic voice has been silenced. The American singer has passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy of raw vocal emotion and soul-stirring performances.
A Sudden and Heartbreaking Loss
Rebekah was found unresponsive in her Los Angeles home on June 23, though the cause of her death has not been disclosed.
Her death came just weeks after her last public performance — and 16 years after the tragic loss of her son, Phillip C. DeMars, who died in 2009 at just 23.
Her nephew, Dan Coronado, shared the news with a heartfelt post on Facebook, writing, “Just found out my Tia Becky passed away, and we literally just saw her on Father’s Day. So grateful the kids got to hear her sing.”
He went on to reveal that he had secretly recorded her singing during their time together, cherishing what would now be one of her final impromptu performances.
A Scene That Captured the World
Though she had many talents, Rebekah Del Rio became internationally known for one cinematic moment that left audiences breathless.
In Mulholland Drive, she performed a Spanish version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” — retitled Llorando — during a surreal club scene that blended reality and illusion.
As she sang with aching beauty, the character collapsed onstage, yet her voice kept playing — a metaphor that still gives fans chills.
That single scene, watched through tearful eyes by lead actresses Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, became iconic not only for its emotional impact but also for the depth of Del Rio’s delivery.
It was more than a performance — it was a full-body, full-heart experience.
A Voice That Left an Impression on Lynch
In an interview with IndieWire in 2022, Rebekah shared some behind-the-scenes details about her Mulholland Drive performance.
She recalled recording Llorando before filming ever started, and how she insisted on singing the song live on set so that Watts and Harring could feel every note as it was happening.
“There were many takes,” she explained.
“And with every take, I sang along because I wanted to recreate that emotion in my throat, for the audience to see. I sang directly to Naomi and Laura — they were really there with me.”
Her connection with Mulholland Drive director David Lynch extended beyond that film.
She also worked with him again for Twin Peaks: The Return, contributing her unique musical presence to another surreal and emotionally rich universe.
Fans Say Goodbye to a Star Who Shined Quietly
After news of her passing broke, tributes poured in from fans across the globe.
Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to share how much Rebekah’s voice had meant to them.
“RIP to an incredible voice,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Her scene in Mulholland Drive was one of the greatest artistic experiences of my life. Never understood why she wasn’t a household name.”
Some remembered catching her live performances — including one at the Rio Theatre two years ago — where she stunned audiences by singing both her iconic film tracks from Mulholland Drive and Southland Tales.
A Shared Grief With the Loss of David Lynch
Rebekah’s passing comes on the heels of another major loss for fans of surreal cinema — the death of David Lynch, the visionary director who brought her voice to the world stage.
Lynch passed away earlier this year at the age of 78 due to cardiac arrest from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The family statement read, “It is with deep regret that we, the family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch.”
Together, Lynch and Del Rio created one of the most emotionally resonant film scenes in modern cinema — a moment that will live on even as they both now rest.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
Though Rebekah Del Rio may no longer be with us, the sound of her voice — aching, powerful, and transcendent — continues to echo.
Just like in that unforgettable scene in Mulholland Drive, the voice goes on, even when the singer is gone. And what a voice it was.