Kamar de los Reyes, a soap opera actor best known for his roles on “One Life to Live” and as the villain Raul Menendez in the video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops II,” has died at the age of 56 after a private battle with cancer.
Early Life and Career
De los Reyes was born in New York City in 1967 to Puerto Rican parents. He discovered his passion for acting at a young age and studied at the High School of Performing Arts.
He got his big break in 1995 when he landed the role of Antonio Vega on the long-running ABC soap opera “One Life to Live.” De los Reyes played the role for over 15 years until the show ended in 2013, becoming a fan-favorite character.
Outside of his soap fame, de los Reyes acted in films like “Pride and Glory” and “Salt.” He also starred as the iconic villain Raul Menendez in 2012’s hit video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops II.”
Cancer Diagnosis and Declining Health
At some point in the last few years, de los Reyes was diagnosed with cancer. He kept the details of his diagnosis and health struggles private from the public eye.
In his last known public appearance in October 2022, de los Reyes was photographed looking frail and thin outside an LA restaurant with his wife Sherri Saum. This sparked concern amongst fans over his health, but no details were released.
Death Confirmed at Age 56
On December 25th, 2023, de los Reyes’ passing at the age of 56 was widely reported online. His wife Sherri Saum posted a heartbreaking confirmation of his death on Instagram.
Saum wrote: “I will love you until the end of time. Fly high my love. You are free.”
| Date | Age | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|
| December 25th, 2023 | 56 | Cancer |
While no specifics on his cancer diagnosis have been shared publicly, reports indicate de los Reyes had been fighting the disease for some time before his death.
‘One Life to Live’ Co-Stars and Fans Mourn His Death
As the news spread of Kamar de los Reyes’ untimely passing, many of his former “One Life to Live” co-stars posted emotional tributes on social media.
Kristen Alderson, who played his onscreen daughter Starr Manning for many years, wrote on Twitter: “I Love you Kamar. You were one of my favorite people at OLTL and working with you was joy.”
Soap opera veteran Susan Lucci, who starred alongside de los Reyes on his early guest appearance on “All My Children,” posted: “Kamar was warm, funny, talented and an absolute joy to work with. Sending much love and sympathy to his family & friends.”
Fans also flooded social media with memories and mourning the loss of their beloved “One Life to Live” character Antonio Vega:
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“This is heartbreaking. Kamar was so kind, funny and talented. I loved watching him as Antonio on OLTL for so many years. What a terrible loss and way too young. 💔 Rest in peace” |
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“Antonio Vega was my first ever soap crush in junior high. Kamar played him with such heart. 😢 This is so unbelievably sad. Thinking of his family and friends.” |
The official “One Life to Live” social accounts also posted memorial images of de los Reyes with the caption “In Loving Memory.”
What’s Next For De los Reyes’ Family
De los Reyes is survived by his wife, actress Sherri Saum who he married in 2001, and their 11-year-old twin sons John and Michael.
No memorial or funeral services have been announced yet. More information will likely be shared publicly as his family deals with this devastating loss.
Saum disabled comments on the Instagram post announcing his death, asking for privacy as they grief this tragedy.
His Lasting Legacy
While gone too soon at only 56 years old, Kamar de los Reyes leaves behind a lasting legacy from his over two decades in Hollywood.
Generations grew up watching him play family man Antonio Vega for 16 years on ABC’s beloved soap opera. He helped introduce many fans to the genre that they still watch religiously today.
He also gave an iconic performance as the ruthless villain Raul Menendez in 2012’s Golden Globe nominated video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Players around the world recognize Menendez as one of the most infamous bad guys in Call of Duty history.
De los Reyes worked consistently both before and after his soap opera fame. His credits stretch all the way from appearances on shows like “Law & Order” and “CSI: Miami” to recent roles on “Magnum P.I” and “S.W.A.T”.
While the camera may have been his first love professionally, those closest to Kamar de los Reyes often speak on what a dedicated family man he was when not acting. He approached fatherhood with the same passion he brought to roles on screens big and small.
Kamar de los Reyes’ lifetime of contributions across stage and screens both big and small will continue touching people’s lives for decades to come through reruns and games. May he rest in peace.
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