Renowned actor Adan Canto, known for his roles in Designated Survivor, Narcos, and X-Men, passes away at the age of 42 after battling cancer.
LOS ANGELES — Adan Canto, the acclaimed Mexican singer and actor recognized for his notable roles in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Agent Game, and the TV series The Cleaning Lady, has passed away at the age of 42. The Associated Press reports that Canto, who battled appendiceal cancer, chose to keep his diagnosis private. Publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed the sad news.
“Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever,” Allen expressed in a statement. “He will be greatly missed by so many.”
Hailing from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, and raised in Texas, Canto embarked on his career at the young age of 16, leaving home for Mexico City to pursue his passion as a singer-songwriter. Transitioning to acting, he made his TV debut on the 2009 Mexican series Estado de Gracia. His introduction to American audiences occurred on Kevin Williamson’s 2013 Fox drama series The Following, alongside Kevin Bacon.
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Canto's memorable roles encompassed Vice President-elect Aaron Shore on Designated Survivor, Colombian politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla on Narcos, and the mutant Sunspot in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Notable projects also included starring in Halle Berry’s directorial debut, “Bruised,” and “Agent Game.”
In addition to his acting prowess, Canto showcased his directorial talents with the release of his first short film in 2014, followed by a second in 2020—a thought-provoking western featuring Theo Rossi."
At the time of his passing, Canto was portraying the character Armand Morales on Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, a role he held during the ongoing filming of its third season. Unfortunately, due to his illness, he was unable to actively participate in the production but had expressed a desire to rejoin later in the season.
Known for his broad smile and boisterous laugh, Canto's friends acknowledged his unique blend of sensitivity and humility, qualities that added depth to his persona despite the outward traits of a leading man, characterized by a big frame and square jaw.
Kiefer Sutherland, who shared the screen with Canto on Designated Survivor, expressed his grief in a tribute posted on his Instagram page.
"Lately, it seems I have had to make too many posts like this one, but I am heartbroken by the loss of Adan Canto. He was such a wonderful spirit," Sutherland wrote in a caption alongside a photo of the two on set. "As an actor, his desire to do well, to be great, and then do better, was truly impressive, and he will be greatly missed. I am also heartbroken for his wife, Steph, and his two young children. Adan, may you rest in peace."
Canto is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, and two children, Roman Alder, 3, and Eve Josephine, 18 months.
"Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon," his wife wrote on her Instagram account.