Adan Canto, the talented Mexican actor celebrated for his roles in TV series such as “The Cleaning Lady” and “Designated Survivor,” as well as his portrayal of Sunspot in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” passed away at the age of 42 on Monday. The cause of his death was confirmed to be appendiceal cancer, as reported by his publicist, Jennifer Allen. The location of his passing was not disclosed.
Canto’s diverse career spanned over a decade, during which he delivered compelling performances in a variety of roles. From a control-obsessed criminal to a poised politician and a fiery comic book hero, Canto showcased his versatility and depth as an actor. In a 2013 interview with Collider, he expressed a deep fascination with understanding people’s psychology and motivations.
One of his recent roles was in “The Cleaning Lady,” which premiered on Fox in 2022. In the series, Canto portrayed Arman Morales, a gangster recruiting a woman, played by Elodie Yung, into his criminal organization after she witnesses a murder. The show is set to enter its third season this year. Additionally, Canto played the role of politician Aaron Shore in the political drama “Designated Survivor,” alongside Kiefer Sutherland and Maggie Q.
Canto’s introduction to the big screen came in 2014 when he starred as the mutant Sunspot in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Born on December 5, 1981, in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, he reminisced in a 2022 interview with Anthem Magazine about being an extra in the 1992 movie adaptation of “Like Water for Chocolate” at the age of 7, an experience that ignited his passion for the world of filmmaking.
Raised in Del Rio, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border, Canto began his entertainment career at the age of 16 when he left home to pursue music in Mexico City. While singing at bars and producing songs for TV, he stumbled into acting through commercials. His acting journey started with the Mexican TV series “Estado de Gracia” in 2009.
After a stint in music that didn’t pan out as expected, Canto found solace in acting. His U.S. debut came in 2013 with the crime series “The Following,” starring Kevin Bacon. He further graced screens in popular shows such as “Narcos,” “Mixology,” and “Blood and Oil.”
Not limiting himself to acting, Canto directed “The Shot,” a short film released in 2020, which earned accolades at the San Antonio Film Festival, the Los Angeles Movie Awards, and the Iowa Independent Film Festival. In an interview with Anthem Magazine, he spoke about the need to express himself artistically through directing, envisioning worlds in unique ways.
Canto’s personal life included meeting his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, in Brooklyn in 2012. He is survived by his wife and their two children, Roman Alder, 3, and Eve Josephine, 1.
Adan Canto’s untimely departure leaves a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy will endure through the impactful characters he brought to life and the creative contributions he made both in front of and behind the camera.
