Carmen Zapata died Sunday night in Van Nuys, California. She was 86 years old. She died due to complications of heart failure.

As one of the most respected Hispanic-American actresses she was well known for her recurring role in the soap ‘Santa Barbara’ as Mrs. Castillo. She appeared on several TV Shows amongst which: ‘Bonanza’, ‘The New Dick Van Dyke Show’, ‘Kojak’, ‘McCloud’, Archie Bunker’s Place’, ‘Fantasy Island’ and many more.

When she got older she started to play judges in various tv series as ‘Falcon Crest’ and 'The Trials of Rosie O’Neill'.

She also played in various films, most famously in ‘Sister Act’ with Whoopi Goldberg.

In 2003 she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.