Hollywood is mourning the loss of Adan Canto, the popular actor known for roles in “X-Men: Days of Future Past”, “Designated Survivor”, and currently starring in “The Cleaning Lady”. Canto passed away on January 9th, 2023 at the age of 42 after a private battle with a rare form of cancer.
Shocking Cancer Diagnosis Kept Quiet
According to close friends, Canto was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer almost 3 years ago but kept his illness hidden from the public. Appendiceal cancer, or cancer of the appendix, is very rare, accounting for only 1% of gastrointestinal cancers. Despite ongoing treatments, the cancer continued to spread in the past year.
Canto filmed the current third season of Fox’s “The Cleaning Lady” while privately fighting the disease, with only a small inner circle aware of his prognosis. Costars and crew were shocked when the tragic news broke of his passing.
Outpouring of Grief from Costars and Fans
Devastated co-stars across Canto’s impressive career have taken to social media to share memories and condolences. Halle Berry, his “X-Men” castmate, posted:
My heart is breaking over the loss of our friend Adán Canto. He was such a kind man – my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Kiefer Sutherland reflected fondly on working together on “Designated Survivor”:
Adán was one of those guys that raised the game for all of us because of his incredible talent. My heart breaks for his beautiful family.
Élodie Yung, lead actress in “The Cleaning Lady”, penned a moving Instagram tribute:
My dearest Adán, working by your side has been such a gift. Your talent and passion will live on through the legacy of your work. I will miss you tremendously, my friend.
Fans have also flooded social media with memories, praise for Canto’s acting range, and mourning the loss of his talents. Many called him an inspiration and role model for Latino actors.
| Production | Notable Role |
|---|---|
| X-Men: Days of Future Past | Sunspot |
| Narcos | Amado Carrillo Fuentes |
| Designated Survivor | Aaron Shore |
| The Cleaning Lady | Arman Morales |
Promising Career Cut Short
Canto’s acting career began in 2006 and over the next 15+ years he delivered riveting performances across television and film.
Born in Mexico, he got his start playing soccer professionally before moving to the entertainment industry. His breakout role came in 2014’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past” as mutant Sunspot. High praise for his work landed him recurring roles in “Designated Survivor” and “Blood Drive”, plus appearances in popular shows like “The Following” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”
His starring role alongside Wagner Moura in Netflix’s “Narcos” earned critical acclaim in 2016. He played infamous drug lord Amado Carrillo Fuentes, dubbed “The Lord of the Skies”.
Most recently, Canto had a lead role in Fox’s crime drama “The Cleaning Lady” as Arman Morales, the husband of main character Thony. The show’s future was already in limbo before this devastating loss of its popular star.
Next Steps for Ongoing Productions
Canto still has one final performance yet to be seen in “The Cleaning Lady” this spring. The show wrapped filming on season 3 in December, before his passing. Producers will now have to decide how to write out Canto’s character Arman in a respectful way.
The star was also in the middle of filming an upcoming Amazon Prime rom-com when illness forced him to drop out. It’s unknown if he will appear in the final edit of “Somebody I Used to Know” alongside Alison Brie and Jay Ellis.
While Canto’s career ended far too soon, his loved ones want fans to remember him through his characters. Friend and agent Steve Younis stated:
Adán put so much passion into every part he played. I know it was important to him for audiences to get lost in those stories – we hope his work lives on for years to come.
Next Generation Carrying the Torch
As Hollywood copes with this painful loss, many eyes are also turning to the next generation. Canto has an 8-year-old daughter, Lia, who friends say inherited her father’s bright spirit and creative talents.
Lia wishes to follow in her dad’s footsteps into acting one day, carrying on his legacy. Photos and home videos shared by Canto’s wife Lauren over the years show Lia’s early singing and dancing skills. Lauren wrote on social media:
Lia has always looked up to her papi as her superhero. All the love and support he gave her will stay in her heart forever.
The acting community that embraced Canto continues to surround his family in this difficult time. A memorial with close friends in Los Angeles is being arranged, though details are still private.
While gone too soon, Adan Canto clearly impacted many lives across two continents. His charisma, talent and heart live on through his performances and the friends and family who cherish his memory. All who were touched by his work share in the grief of his passing.
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