Mexican actress Karla Alvarez has died at the age of 41.

The Tv star's body was found by a maid in her apartment in Mexico City on Friday (15Nov13) and officials have attributed her cause of death to cardiopulmonary arrest due to complications from eating disorders anorexia and bulimia.

Alvarez rose to fame in 1992 after appearing in telenovela Maria Mercedes, portraying Latin superstar Thalia's stubborn younger sister.

She went on to land roles in other popular Mexican soap operas, including Buscando El Paraiso, and scored the starring role in Mi Querida Isabel.

She later became known for playing villains onscreen in shows like La Mentira, Alma Rebelde and La Intrusa, while she shot her final acting gig earlier this year (13), in Que Bonito Amor with actors Jorge Salinas and Danna Garcia.

Paying tribute to her tragic former co-star, Thalia writes on Twitter.com: "Very saddened by the parting of Karlita Alvarez. Great memories of 'Maria Mercedes.' Prayers for her family. Rest in peace."