Adan Canto died on Monday at the age of 42.
The Mexican-American actor, who went from a successful music career in Mexico to a leading man in Hollywood, died after a battle with appendix cancer.
He is best known for his role as Vice President Aaron Shore alongside Kiefer Sutherland in Designated Survivor.
Canto was most recently seen in the TV series “The Cleaning Lady,” in which he played a main character in the first two seasons.
“Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. “Those who saw it were forever changed,” Canto officials said in a statement. “He will be missed by many.”
Adan Canto died on Monday at the age of 42; seen in 2022
He is best known for his role as Aaron Shore in Designated Survivor
Fox and WBTV — the network and studio behind “The Cleaning Lady” — also released a statement Tuesday saying, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Adan Canto.” A wonderful actor and dear friend We have been honored to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment families since his U.S. debut in The Following more than a decade ago.
“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 incredible loss and we mourn with his wife Stephanie, their children and loved ones. We will miss Adan very much.'
Many took to social media to pay tribute to the talented star, including one who posted on I really enjoyed watching him on this show and we will miss him. RIP Adan Canto.'
Another was completely devastated by the news and said: “This just took my breath away.” I'm stunned and borderline hyperventilating. Damn cancer because he took way too many big ones and young ones at that. RIP Adan Canto. What an enormous talent. My heart aches for his loved ones. [dove emoji]'
Another shared: “I am so heartbroken. Adan Canto was one of my favorite actors. I fell in love with him when he appeared on screen as Arman Morales. Literally irreplaceable talent.'
Canto is originally from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico and grew up in Texas. At the age of 16, he left his hometown to look for opportunities as a musician in Mexico City.
Soon after, his focus shifted to acting as he was discovered for an important role in the series “The Following” in 2013.
Canto spoke about his transition into acting in a February 2013 interview with Collider, saying, “As a kid, I never said I wanted to be an actor.” I didn't know. I thought I would be a singer and musician.
Canto is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, and their two young children, Roman Alder, three, and Eve Josephine, one.
In his last Instagram post on June 19, 2022, he shared a snapshot of his beautiful family with the caption: “Happy Father's Day!” I am blessed with mine.
Canto celebrates with his wife Stephanie Ann
Canto attends the Nautica Malibu Traithalon at Zuma Beach on September 18, 2016 in Malibu, California
What is appendix cancer?
Appendix cancer is a type of cancer that grows from cells that make up the appendix. The appendix is a small bag of tissue in the abdomen. It is part of the intestines and colon that absorbs nutrients and removes waste from the body. We don't know what the appendix does, but it can support the immune system. There are two main types of appendix cancer: epithelial appendix cancer and neuroendocrine appendix cancer.
Epithelial appendix cancer grows from cells that form the lining of the appendix. It can also be called adenocarcinoma. These cells help make a jelly-like substance called mucin. Mucin protects the lining of the stomach, intestines and appendix. In most epithelial appendiceal cancers, a buildup of mucin can occur, which can lead to rupture of the appendix. When mucin from the appendix builds up in the abdomen, it causes a condition called pseudomyxoma peritonei, or PMP.
Mucinous neoplasms are a rare and complex type of epithelial appendiceal cancer. Depending on how the cells look under the microscope, they can be low grade (LAMN) or high grade (HAMN) and can spread to other parts of the body.
Neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix grow from cells called enterochromaffin cells (ECs). ECs produce chemicals that are involved in digestion and movement in the intestines. Neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix are the most common form of appendix cancer. They are also called carcinoid tumors.
Appendix cancer can spread directly from the appendix to various parts of the abdomen, usually when it ruptures. Less commonly, appendix cancer can spread to areas outside the abdomen via the lymph nodes.
(Source: National Cancer Institute)
For the last two years, Canto played the role of gangster Arman Morales opposite Élodie Yung in “The Cleaning Lady.”
In addition to “Designated Survivor,” the pretty star was also known for the television series “Mixology” and “Blood & Oil.”
“That's what I've done for a big part of my life.” But music in Mexico just didn't work out. So I got interested in acting and just fell in love with it. It was wonderful! It was a great, safe place to relax. And then I found out that I could actually do it, and I saw a future in it.
“Everything I've always been interested in I could apply it to this area.” So I just went with it and it worked.'
Back in January 2022, Canto spoke about what it was like moving his career from Mexico to the United States while trying not to be pigeonholed.
He told the Observer at the time: “To be honest, I don't know if I have developed a specific strategy to get through this. “I was honest with myself and my team throughout. There were obviously certain characters or scripts that I read and immediately thought, “Of course not! No!”
Canto captioned a photo from the birth of daughter Eve (above): “Welcome Eve Josephine Canto!” Thank you, Father, for the gift of life… and for the most precious family I could have ever dreamed of to be worthy.
Canto is originally from Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico and grew up in Texas. At the age of 16, he left his hometown to look for opportunities as a musician in Mexico City
His focus shifted to acting when he was discovered for a significant role in the series “The Following” in 2013
Tributes to the actor flooded social media
“I know the northern Mexican culture [because] I grew up with it, so I can tell when someone is just trying to make up a reality that is far from reality [the actual] reality, so I stayed honest with the honesty within me.
“I didn’t want to do anything that didn’t sound or feel right, and I think I was blessed with good opportunities and fought for other opportunities that weren’t necessarily given to me.”
For the last two years, Canto played the role of gangster Arman Morales opposite Élodie Yung in “The Cleaning Lady.”
He was reportedly set to take part in the third season, although he was unable to attend filming when it began in December after the strikes ended.
Back in January 2022, Canto (pictured in May 2022) spoke about what it was like moving his career from Mexico to the US while trying not to be pigeonholed, saying: “I didn't want anything do what didn't sound like that or that. “I feel right, and I think I've been blessed with good opportunities and fought for other opportunities that weren't necessarily given to me.”
In film, Canto is probably best known for his portrayal of Sunspot in 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past
In film, Canto is probably best known for his portrayal of Sunspot in 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past
Canto stepped behind the camera and made his first short film in 2014, which was followed by another in 2020.
Canto is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, and their two young children, Roman Alder, three, and Eve Josephine, one.
In his last Instagram post on June 19, 2022, he shared a snapshot of his beautiful family with the caption, “Happy Father's Day! I'm blessed with my.”