‘Mulholland Drive’ singer Rebekah Del Rio death reason: Here's what we know

Rebekah Del Rio, the acclaimed vocalist behind the haunting rendition of “Llorando” in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, passed away on June 23 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 57.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed her death, though the cause has not yet been disclosed publicly. As of now, no additional details surrounding the circumstances of her passing have been released.

Del Rio rose to prominence for her unforgettable performance in Lynch’s 2001 cult classic, where she sang a Spanish-language version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying.” Her emotional scene at Club Silencio—where her character collapses mid-song—became one of the film’s most iconic moments and left a deep impression on audiences.


In interviews, Del Rio later revealed that although the scene was scripted to appear as lip-synced, she sang live during each take to bring authenticity to the performance. “I don’t know how to lip-sync,” she once said. “I wanted Naomi Watts and Laura Harring to experience it live. So I sang to them every time.”

Her collaboration with David Lynch extended beyond Mulholland Drive. She appeared in Twin Peaks: The Return, performing alongside Moby, and was a regular presence at Twin Peaks events. Just two weeks before her death, she sang at a charity screening of Mulholland Drive in Los Angeles.

Del Rio also lent her voice to the soundtracks of films like Sin City, Man on Fire, and Streets of Legend, and appeared in Southland Tales, singing the U.S. national anthem.

Fans and fellow artists have expressed their grief and admiration on social media. One wrote: “Rest in peace Rebekah Del Rio. There will never be anyone else like her.”

She is survived by the legacy of her voice and performances. Her only son, Phillip C DeMars, tragically passed away in 2009 at the age of 23.