Ernesto de la Cruz

Ernesto de la Cruz is the main antagonist from the Disney/Pixar film Coco. He is a famous singer and musician who dazzled audiences with his good looks and his charm, and was a source of Mexican pride due to his strong morals and his standing up for his fellow Mexicans. After his death, he resides as a soul in the Land of the Dead. Miguel's quest in the movie is to find Ernesto, who he believes is his great-great-grandfather, in the Land of the Dead.

Official Desription

 * Ernesto de la Cruz is Miguel's idol and the most famous musician in the history of Mexico. Revered by fans worldwide until his untimely death, the charming and charismatic musician is even more beloved in the Land of the Dead.

Personality
At first glance, Ernesto presents himself as a charming, wise, and sensible individual who encouraged others to follow their dreams no matter what, making him seem like a good role model. He died because of the security guard accidentally falling against the releaser of the giant bell above him, which results in him getting crushed by it along with the top of the stage.

However, it is later revealed that Ernesto is nothing more than a two-bit, selfish, overly ambitious ne'er-do-well who murdered his best friend, Hector and stole his song book to achieve fame and glory and will resort to even hurting a child to preserve his evil nature. His plans to become famous were foiled by the Riveras due to them streaming Ernesto throwing Miguel off of the stadium, resulting in everybody outside the situation booing him. He is later crushed by a giant bell again by knocking it down from Pepita launching him towards the bell.

Trivia

 * Ernesto's last name, de la Cruz, is a reference to another Pixar character, Cruz Ramirez.