‘X-Men’ And ‘Designated Survivor’ Star Adan Canto Dies At 42 From Appendix Cancer

NEW YORK, NY – The world of entertainment has once again been stricken with grief, following the tragic demise of the much-loved Mexican actor, Adan Canto, at the age of 42. Known for his riveting performances in TV shows like Designated Survivor and famous films including X-Men: Days of Future Past, Canto has left an indelible impression in the hearts of the audience and his peers, who are now left to mourn the immense loss.

The star, hailing from Mexico, bravely battled appendiceal cancer, a fact shared by his publicist, Jennifer Allen. Canto’s prowess as an actor took center stage when he played the national security adviser in Designated Survivor, acting alongside Kiefer Sutherland. Sutherland, deeply affected by the loss, recounted the memory of his departed co-star as “such a wonderful spirit.”

Canto’s talent was evident in vast genres, from political thrillers to superhero films. In the 2014 X-Men film, Adan essayed the role of the mutant Sunspot with immense grace. Upon sharing the screen with him, the actress and director Halle Berry was moved to cast him in her film, Bruised. In her emotional tribute on Instagram, Berry wrote, “I don’t have the words just yet… my dear sweet friend Adan just gained his wings. Forever, forever in my heart.” His wife, Stephanie Ann, in her poignant homage, referred to Canto as her forever treasure, promising to see him again soon.

Adan’s publicist, Jennifer Allen, in her heartfelt statement, said, “Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. He will be greatly missed by so many.”

In his tribute message, Sutherland elaborated on the actor’s dedication towards perfection and improvement, marking these as the characteristics that distinguished Adan in the acting industry. He also expressed his deep sorrow for Canto’s wife, Stephanie, and their two young children.

Canto’s role of Aaron Shore in Designated Survivor began airing on the ABC network in 2016 and continued until 2017 before Netflix picked it up for a third and final season. His co-star, Maggie Q, extolled him as a man of immense kindness, warmth and moral uprightness, qualities that she felt made Hollywood undeserving of his presence. Italia Ricci, another castmate, mourned the loss of this ‘strong, brilliant, kind and gentle man.’

Adan ventured into the realm of crime drama, playing the character of a gangster, Arman Morales, in Fox’s The Cleaning Lady in 2022. Fox, in its tribute post, remembered him as the eternal Arman. Fox and Warner Bros Television jointly stated that he was “a wonderful actor and dear friend,” who radiated charisma in all his performances and would be dearly missed.

Adan’s first significant role in the US was in the Fox thriller, The Following, co-starring with Kevin Bacon in 2013. He then went on to feature in ABC sitcom Mixology, and drama series, Blood & Oil. Adan’s repertoire also included portraying Colombian politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla in Netflix’s Narcos. He continued to enthrall the audience with his versatility right up until his last acting commitment in the 2022 spy thriller, Agent Game.

The lights on the stage may have dimmed in the face of such a devastating loss, but Adan Canto’s memory continues to shine brightly in the minds of his loved ones and fans alike.