“Designated Survivor” actor Adan Canto dies at age 42

Actor Adan Canto, best known for his role in “Designated Survivor” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past”, died on Monday (8), aged 42.

Canto died of appendix cancer, according to his publicist Jennifer Allen. In a statement sent to CNN she said Canto “had a depth of spirit that few really knew.”

“Those who caught a glimpse of this were forever changed,” Allen’s statement reads. “He will be greatly missed by a lot of people.”

Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, Canto was a skilled actor and musician who starred in the Fox series “The Cleaning Lady.” The series is in the middle of filming its third season, but Allen said the actor had not yet started work on the new season.

Canto was also known for his roles in “Designated Survivor,” “Narcos” and “Blood and Oil,” among other TV series. His film work also included “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “Agent Game”.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Adan Canto. A wonderful actor and dear friend, we are honored to have him as part of the Warner Bros. families. Television and FOX Entertainment since its U.S. debut in 'The Following' over a decade ago,” Warner Bros. said. in a statement sent to CNN on Tuesday.

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

Adan's acting career began in 2009, when he appeared in two episodes of “Estado de Gracia”, a Mexican TV series. He appeared in several Mexican TV shows and films until 2013, when he landed his first prominent role in the U.S. market in the first season of Fox's “The Following,” opposite Keifer Sutherland.

In 2014, Canto appeared in the Marvel superhero film “X-Men: Days of Future Past” as the mutant Sunspot, who can channel the power of the sun.

An emerging filmmaker in his own right, Canto starred in and directed his first short film in 2014, titled “Before Tomorrow.”

Canto appeared in an episode of the Netflix series “Narcos,” and in the first season of the ABC series “Blood & Oil.” He reunited with Sutherland on “Designated Survivor,” appearing on all three seasons of the show between 2016 and 2020.

In 2021, Canto appeared in the Halle Berry-directed “Bruised” and the CIA thriller “Agent Game” in 2022, before starring in “The Cleaning Lady” in the same year.

Speaking about his love for the art of acting, Canto told Anthem Magazine in 2022 that “it’s a fun job” and “a great world to be a part of.”

“I’m certainly grateful every day for that. And it's not an easy thing. It's something I got into and I'm very blessed in that way. Yes, I just can't stop liking it. Every job is different,” he added.

Canto is survived by his wife Stephanie Ann Canto and their two young children, Roman Adler and Eve Josephine.