Actor Adan Canto, Who Starred in Designated Survivor & X-Men, Dies at 42 Years Old

Another one of Hollywood’s beloved actors has passed away.

Adan Canto, widely recognised for his roles in popular TV shows like Designated Survivor and notable films such as X-Men: Days of Future Past, has passed away at the age of 42.

In the 2014 X-Men film, Canto took on the character of the mutant Sunspot.

The talented Mexican actor battled appendiceal cancer, a diagnosis he chose to keep private, as confirmed by his publicist, Jennifer Allen, when she spoke to The Associated Press about his passing.

“Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever,” Allen wrote in a statement. 

“He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Wife and Co-Stars Pay Tribute to the Late Adan Canto on Instagram

Canto’s wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, shared her thoughts on his passing in an emotional Instagram post.

 

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A post shared by Stephanie Ann Canto (@stephanie.a.canto)

Meanwhile, Italia Ricci, a fellow cast member from Designated Survivor, expressed her deep sorrow, stating that she was “completely at a loss for words”.

 

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A post shared by Italia Ricci (@italiaricci)

“He was the strongest person I know in every sense of the word and I am so angry that this happened. No one deserved this less than this sweet, brilliant, kind, and gentle man…

“I’m so sorry for everyone hurting at this devastating loss and am beyond heartbroken for his family. You’ll be in my heart always.”

Fox and Warner Bros Television Speak Out on Adan Canto’s Death

In a joint statement, Fox and Warner Bros Television fondly remembered Canto as “a wonderful actor and dear friend”.

“Most recently, he lit up the screen in The Cleaning Lady with a powerful performance that showcased his artistry, range, depth and vulnerability,” the broadcasters said.

“This is an unfathomable loss, and we grieve alongside his wife, Stephanie, their children and loved ones. We will miss Adan dearly.”

Canto portrayed the role of the national security adviser in Designated Survivor alongside Kiefer Sutherland, who expressed his condolences, describing the late actor as “a truly remarkable soul”.

Adan Canto’s Early Life and Beginnings in Career

Canto, born in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, and raised in Texas, embarked on his career at 16. 

Leaving home for Mexico City, he initially pursued a path as a singer-songwriter. However, his journey soon led him to the world of acting.

Canto made his television debut in 2009 on the Mexican series Estado De Gracia.

His American debut came a few years later on Kevin Williamson’s 2013 Fox drama series, The Following, which starred Kevin Bacon.

Throughout his career, he portrayed memorable characters such as 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. 

Additionally, Canto starred in Halle Berry’s directorial debut, Bruised, and appeared in Agent Game.

At the time of his passing, Canto was playing the role of Armand Morales in Fox’s series The Cleaning Lady, which is currently in production for its third season. 

Although he couldn’t participate in the ongoing production due to his illness, he had hoped to rejoin later in the season.