The Story Behind Miss del Río

On this episode of WV UnCommon Place, JR Sparrow sits down with acclaimed author Bárbara Mujica to discuss her powerful historical novel, Miss del Río.

The book brings to life the legendary Dolores del Río—one of the first major Latina stars in Hollywood—tracing her journey from revolutionary-era Mexico to the glitz and challenges of early Hollywood fame. Through the unique perspective of a fictional friend and hairdresser, Mujica explores not just celebrity, but identity, resilience, and the cost of success.

JR and Barbara dive into:

• The inspiration behind telling Dolores del Río’s story
• The blend of historical fact and fiction
• The challenges women—especially Latina actresses—faced in early Hollywood
• Why Dolores del Río’s legacy still matters today

This is a fascinating conversation about storytelling, history, and spotlighting voices that helped shape the entertainment industry.