Hollywood received the sad news today of the passing of X-Men and Designated Survivor actor Adan Canto. The Mexican actor, 42, is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, and two children, Roman Alder and Eve Josephine. In addition to his notable projects, Canto also portrayed Minister Lara Bonilla in one episode of the critically acclaimed series Narcos.
Several actors and close friends have shared their condolences for the family. Canto, an aspiring filmmaker, directed the short film Before Tomorrow in collaboration with his wife in 2014. Most recently, Canto was actively developing film and TV projects through his LA-based production company.
Also Read: Adan Canto Dies at 42: Every Major Project the Former X-Men Actor Was a Part of, Ranked
Adan Canto’s Forgotten Role In Pedro Pascal’s Narcos
Adan Canto started his career as a musician in Mexico before venturing into Hollywood. He made his American TV debut on Fox’s show The Following and was later cast as the superhero character Sunspot in X-Men: Days of Future Past. However, his brief appearance in the Wagner Moura and Pedro Pascal starring series Narcos may have gone unnoticed by many.
In Narcos, Adan Canto played the role of Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, the Minister of Justice under former Columbian President Belisario Betancur. Canto’s appearance was in episode three, titled The Men of Always, during the series’ first season. The real-life character was assassinated by drug lord Pablo Escobar, which eventually led to the latter’s indictment for murder. Canto, thus, played a crucial role in the series, which narrates the story of Escobar.
Canto was also remembered by his Designated Survivor co-stars, including Kiefer Sutherland, Maggie Q, Italia Ricci, and Ben Lawson, along with the show’s executive producer, Neal Baer. In the series, Canto played the role of Aaron Shore, the Vice President to Sutherland’s American President Tom Kirkman.
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Terribly saddened to learn of the passing of Adan Canto. Deepest condolences to his wife and children. He was a vibrant part of our series, Designated Survivor, playing Aaron Shore with wit and passion. He will be greatly missed. https://t.co/bV1DZMiiQi
— NealBaer🏳️🌈 (@NealBaer) January 9, 2024
Adan Canto’s Hollywood journey recently took a major turn when he was cast as the leading man, Arman Morales, in The Cleaning Lady. He could not return to the production of the show’s third season due to his illness but he had anticipated coming back later in the season.
How Did Narcos Actor Adan Canto Die?
Adan Canto passed away due to appendiceal cancer, as confirmed by his publicist Jennifer Allen to BBC. The actor had been privately battling the illness at the time of his death. Allen expressed in her statement, “Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever.” Canto’s wife, Stephanie Ann, quoted Mathew 6:19-21 from the bible, on her Instagram, along with the message, “Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon.”
Canto debuted in the Fox series The Following, and his last appearance was in another Fox show, The Cleaning Lady. Fox expressed on their X account, “He’ll always be our Arman. Adan Canto, your memory will be cherished forever. We grieve alongside Adan’s family, friends, and fans.” Fox and Warner Bros. TV, the producer of both shows, released a joint statement, stating (via Deadline):
“Most recently, he lit up the screen in The Cleaning Lady with a powerful performance that showcased his artistry, range, depth and vulnerability. This is an unfathomable loss, and we grieve alongside his wife Stephanie, their children and loved ones. We will miss Adan dearly.”
According to Deadline, the season 3 premiere of Fox’s The Cleaning Lady will pay tribute to Adan Canto with a title card on March 5.
