Rebekah Del Río, the singer with the moving performance in the movie Mulholland Drive, has died at the age of 57.
She was found in her Los Angeles home on June 23, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed her death, but there has yet to be a formal cause released.
Del Río was famous for her powerful performance of "Llorando," a Spanish-languaged Roy Orbison cover on "Crying" in the 2001 David Lynch film. The singer had performed the song live, instead of the crew recording it from a track. Lynch thought it would be better that way, better to capture the emotions in that moment. Set in the unusual Club Silencio, the scene has been one of the most discussed scenes from Mulholland Drive and is likely one of the most significant musical sequences in modern films.
During interviews, Del Rio noted that choosing to sing live allowed the actors, Naomi Watts and Laura Harring, to respond emotionally in the scene itself. Ultimately, the experience had an impact on viewers and critics alike, many of whom commented on the power of Del Rio’s vocals and her ability to be vulnerable and raw.
Del Rio was born in Chula Vista, California, in 1967. She started her career in San Diego before continuing to Nashville, where she signed a record deal and focused on her music career. Eventually, she moved to Los Angeles, where she was able to work on many larger projects in music and film.
Outside of Mulholland Drive, Del Rio’s music was heard in a number of other films including Sin City, Man on Fire and Southland Tales. In 2017, she reunited with director David Lynch for Twin Peaks: The Return, performing a song called “No Stars” in a scene with musician Moby.
Her recorded albums, including Nobody’s Angel and Love Hurts Love Heals, illustrate Del Rio’s vocal range and emotional layering. Over the years Del Rio attracted loyal fans because of her live shows and diverse collaborations across film, television and music.
Colleagues and admirers have been providing various tributes that they paid to Del Rio online, referring to her voice as unforgettable and her stage presence as evocative; and that in postings both on social media and in fan forums, several others commented that...
her performance at Club Silencio gave them chills or brought them to tears.
Del Rio suffered personal tragedy of her own. She lost her only son, Phillip in 2009, a tragedy she spoke about later in interview and in her work. Considering the loss, she also understood music and performance, and found a strength in it in addition to her audience.
Her passing is a major loss for the film and music communities. She will be missed not only for her distinctive voice but for her ability to evoke deep feeling with a single note. Her work on Mulholland Drive will be experienced for many years to come.
Image Source: thekerplunk.com
