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Carlos Fuentes

Carlos Fuentes

B
Film
Birthday
November 11, 1928
Died
May 15, 2012
Age
83
Net Worth
$5M

About

Carlos Fuentes Macías was a highly acclaimed Mexican novelist, essayist, and diplomat, serving as Mexico's ambassador to France. He is best known for his influential novels such as *The Death of Artemio Cruz*, *Aura*, and *Terra Nostra*. Considered one of the most admired writers in the Spanish-speaking world, Fuentes played a crucial role in the Latin American Boom of the 1960s and 70s. His literary achievements were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Miguel de Cervantes Prize and Mexico's Belisario Domínguez Medal of Honor.

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Career Timeline

1958C$0.1M

Where the Air is Clear

Published breakthrough novel 'Where the Air is Clear', gaining recognition in Mexican literary circles. Established himself as an important emerging voice in Latin American literature.

1962B$0.5M+$0.4M

Death of Artemio Cruz Success

Published masterpiece 'The Death of Artemio Cruz', which became one of the most important Latin American novels. The critical acclaim elevated his international reputation significantly.

1968A$1M+$0.5M

Latin American Boom Prominence

Became a central figure in the Latin American Boom alongside García Márquez and Vargas Llosa. His novels gained worldwide readership and he became a major voice in Spanish-language literature.

1975A$1.5M+$0.5M

Terra Nostra Epic Publication

Published ambitious epic 'Terra Nostra', demonstrating his literary ambition and scope. The novel further solidified his status as one of Latin America's greatest writers.

1987A$2.5M+$1M

Cervantes Prize Recognition

Awarded the Miguel de Cervantes Prize, the most prestigious award in Spanish literature. The honor confirmed his position among the greatest writers in the Spanish language.

1992B$3M+$0.5M

Diplomatic Service to Mexico

Served as Mexico's ambassador to France, combining literary career with diplomatic service. His international stature brought cultural prestige to Mexico though literary output slowed.

2009B$4M+$1M

Belisario Domínguez Medal Honor

Received Mexico's highest civilian honor, the Belisario Domínguez Medal. Recognition as a national treasure, though Nobel Prize continued to elude him despite perennial consideration.

2012B$5M+$1M

Death in Mexico City

Died at age 83 from a massive hemorrhage. His passing was mourned across the Spanish-speaking world as the loss of one of Latin America's most important literary voices.

2026B$5M

Latin American Literary Giant

Remembered as one of the defining voices of Latin American literature and the Boom generation. Well-known and respected in literary circles worldwide, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries.

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Last updated: February 23, 2026