Ernesto de la Cruz serves as the primary antagonist in Pixar’s 2017 animated feature film, Coco as a renowned singer and musician.
In the animated land of the dead, there’s a man who stands tall and proud, even without a pulse.
He’s dashing, charismatic, and arguably the most talented musician to ever strum a guitar.
But, if you look beneath the surface, there’s more to this skeleton than meets the eye. This is the story of Ernesto de la Cruz, who stole hearts, songs, and, occasionally, the show.
Ernesto de la Cruz in the Magical World of Coco
In 2017, Pixar delved into Mexican culture with Coco, transporting audiences to Santa Cecilia and the Land of the Dead to celebrate the Day of the Dead. The film was directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina.
Portrayed by
- Benjamin Bratt (speaking)
- Antonio Sol (singing)
The Man, The Myth, The Legend
People say that just a glimpse of Ernesto de la Cruz’s smile could revive flowers, while his voice could make a cactus dance. But his most memorable attribute was his charming presence, captivating every living (and non-living) creature in the room.
He possessed legendary guitar skills, perfectly coiffed hair, and impeccable outfits. Ernesto de la Cruz epitomized a star, a true icon in both the land of the living and the dead.
However, his legacy, built on fame and adoration, concealed a darker side known only to a few.
As the old saying goes, “Behind every great man is a great secret,” and Ernesto de la Cruz was no exception. Yet, much like his famous guitar, the secret mostly remained hidden.
The Skeleton in the Spotlight
Ernesto de la Cruz’s tale is one of the ages, filled with laughter, tears, and an eerie sense of familiarity. In truth, we all have a bit of Ernesto within us. We are all imperfect beings with our share of secrets and regrets. And, like Ernesto, we must confront our past and make amends for our mistakes.
But let’s not forget that Ernesto de la Cruz was also an entertainer extraordinaire, and his performances captivated audiences for generations.
So, as we reflect on Ernesto’s life and the lessons it holds, let us also remember the joy he brought to the world. In the end, both the light and the dark make up the full spectrum of life’s experiences.
In the spirit of Ernesto de la Cruz, let us embrace the beauty of music and the power it holds to connect us all. As we gather around the hearth with our loved ones, let us strum our guitars and sing the songs that fill our souls with happiness.
And in doing so, may we learn to forgive ourselves and others and to live with the same passion and vibrancy that Ernesto so effortlessly embodied.
Ernesto de la Cruz Exposed
Ernesto de la Cruz’s life (and afterlife) was full of drama and twists, worthy of a telenovela. However, he couldn’t escape the truth. As his lies unraveled, the people he deceived saw the coward hiding behind the hero facade.
A young boy named Miguel finally exposed Ernesto as a fraud with the help of Héctor and a street dog named Dante. In the end, Ernesto’s reputation and legacy crumbled.
His story warns about the cost of fame and the importance of honesty. Though Ernesto de la Cruz was a man of bone and mystery, the truth always finds a way to shine through.
Ernesto de la Cruz Is The Song Thief
People often say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but it was more like appropriation for Ernesto de la Cruz. Ernesto harbored a deep, dark secret—he wasn’t the creative genius everyone believed him to be. In reality, he lived a lie, stealing music from Héctor, a humble yet brilliant songwriter.
Héctor, Ernesto’s best friend, cherished music more than life itself.
However, driven by ambition and greed, Ernesto claimed Héctor’s songs as his own. When the opportunity arose to reveal the truth, Ernesto chose fame over friendship, leaving Héctor in obscurity.
Ironically, Ernesto became the very thing he feigned to despise: a fraud. But as the saying goes, “You can’t keep a good man down,” and Héctor’s spirit refused to be silenced.
The Encore
As the final notes of Ernesto de la Cruz’s ballad fade into the ether, we are reminded that every great story must end. But, much like the music that filled Ernesto’s life, his legacy will continue to resonate throughout time.
The tale of Ernesto de la Cruz is a poignant reminder of the power of love, friendship, and authenticity. Through his story, we learn that even the most flawed among us can find redemption and that our past does not have to define our future.
As we take our final bow and leave the stage, let us carry the lessons of Ernesto de la Cruz. May we always remember the importance of staying true to ourselves, honoring our loved ones, and cherishing the beauty of music that unites us all.
And so, the curtain falls on the tale of Ernesto de la Cruz, but his story and music will forever remain in our hearts, reminding us of the incredible journey we all share in this great symphony called life.
The Timeless Legacy of Ernesto and Héctor
As the echoes of Ernesto de la Cruz and Héctor’s melodies reverberate through the halls of history, we realize that their intertwined fates hold a greater significance.
Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, the transformative nature of music, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the talents of those around us.
While Ernesto’s journey was fraught with deception and betrayal, Héctor’s unwavering devotion to his craft and his loved ones truly shines. His humble spirit and genuine love for music serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of our incredible capacity for goodness.
As we honor the timeless legacy of Ernesto and Héctor, let us strive to embody the best aspects of both characters. May we pursue our passions with the same enthusiasm and determination as Ernesto while staying grounded in the honesty and humility that defined Héctor.
And, as we navigate the ups and downs of our lives, may we always remember the unifying power of music and its ability to uplift and heal.
A Symphony of Life and Afterlife
Ernesto de la Cruz, Héctor, and the world of Coco provide a captivating glimpse into the relationship between life and the afterlife. Their journey reminds us that love and friendship endure beyond time and space.
The vibrant world of Coco inspires us with its culture, tradition, and music. We learn the importance of memory and preserving the legacies of those who came before us.
As we say goodbye to Ernesto and the magical realm of Coco, let us carry the lessons of love, friendship, and music. These enduring bonds celebrate the beauty of life and everything in between.
Quotes From Ernesto de la Cruz in Coco
- “Seize your moment, my little miguito.”
- “I have to sing. It’s not just in me… It is me.”
- “The rest of the world may follow the rules, but I must follow my heart.”
- “I have to sing like there’s nobody listening.”
- “Never underestimate the power of music.”
- “We may have our differences, but nothing’s more important than family.”
- “I have to sing; it’s what I was born to do.”
- “I wish I could apologize to every one of my fans. To my adoring public, Ernesto de la Cruz is still the greatest musician the world has ever known.”
- “Being a musician is not just about playing the notes; it’s about feeling them.”
- “I have to sing, even if my audience is small.”