Adan Canto Died: A Tribute to the X-Men and Designated Survivor Star Who Passed Away at 42

The entertainment industry and the fans are mourning the loss of Adan Canto, a Mexican actor and singer who died on January 8, 2024, at the age of 42. He had been suffering from appendiceal cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the appendix. He did not reveal his condition to the public and continued to work until he could not anymore.

Canto was born in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, and grew up in Texas. He began his career as a singer-songwriter when he was 16 and moved to Mexico City to pursue his passion for music. He later switched to acting and made his TV debut in the 2009 Mexican series Estado de Gracia. He then moved to Los Angeles and landed his first big role in the 2013 Fox thriller series The Following, alongside Kevin Bacon.

He then appeared in several movies and TV shows, demonstrating his range and skill. He played the mutant Sunspot in the 2014 hit X-Men: Days of Future Past, the Colombian politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla in the 2015 Netflix crime drama Narcos, the Vice President-elect Aaron Shore in the 2016 ABC political thriller Designated Survivor, and the charming hitman Armand Morales in the 2023 Fox crime drama The Cleaning Lady. He also starred in Halle Berry’s directorial debut Bruised, a sports drama about a fallen MMA fighter, and Agent Game, a spy thriller with Dermot Mulroney and Mel Gibson.

Halle Berry pays tribute to the late actor, Adan Canto who passed away at 42. https://t.co/QOV7xXk4tT pic.twitter.com/uNfGMog7Sm

— E! News (@enews) January 10, 2024

Canto was not only an actor, but also a director. He directed his first short film, Before Tomorrow, in 2014, and his second one, The Last Stand, in 2020. The latter was a provocative western starring Theo Rossi and Michael Irby. Canto had a love for storytelling and wanted to create more projects behind the scenes.

He was also a loving husband and father. Adan Canto married Stephanie Ann Canto, a photographer and filmmaker, in 2017. They had two children, Roman Alder, 3, and Eve Josephine, 18 months. His wife shared a heartfelt tribute to him on her Instagram account, writing, “Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon.”

Canto’s death has shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and colleagues, who have expressed their condolences and admiration for him on social media. Kiefer Sutherland, who co-starred with him on Designated Survivor, wrote, “It seems lately 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. 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.”

Halle Berry, who directed and acted with him in Bruised, posted, “I’m devastated by the news of Adan Canto’s passing. He was a brilliant actor, a kind soul, and a dear friend. He brought so much joy and light to everyone he met. He was a fighter until the end and I’m honored to have worked with him. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Rest in power, Adan.”

Theo Rossi, who starred with him in The Last Stand, shared, “Adan was one of the most talented and generous people I’ve ever known. He was a visionary, a storyteller, and a brother. He had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was contagious. He was a warrior who never gave up and inspired me every day. I will miss him more than words can say. I love you, Adan.”

Adan Canto was an amazing actor who left a lasting mark on the audiences and the industry. He was a skilled and versatile performer who could play any role with flair and charisma. He was a brave and humble person who faced his difficulties with grace and dignity. He was a loving and devoted family man who treasured his wife and children. He was a bright star who sparkled in the sky and now sparkles in our hearts. He was gone too soon, but he will never be forgotten.