X-Men, Cleaning Lady Star, Adan Canto Dies of Cancer Aged 42

Adeyemi Matthew 

Adan Canto, who played Arman Morales in hit Fox series The Cleaning Lady plus roles in Designated Survivor, X-Men: Days of Future Past and Narcos, has died at the age of 42.

The Mexican-American actor was best known for his role as gangster Arman Morales in Fox's drama series The Cleaning Lady, in which he featured in the first two seasons. Due to health reasons, he was unable to film the upcoming third season, but had intended to rejoin the cast.

The Mexican star had suffered from appendiceal cancer, his publicist said.

Canto was the national security adviser in Designated Survivor alongside Kiefer Sutherland, who paid tribute to the actor as “such a wonderful spirit”.

He also featured as Aaron Shore in Designated Survivor, as well as Sunspot in 2014 superhero film X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Paul Torres in Fox's The Following. Other shows on his impressive CV included Netflix 's Narcos. His representatives confirmed his death in a statement, saying: "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."

Before he made the switch to become a star in Hollywood, Adan embarked on a career as a singer and guitarist. He was born in Coahuila, Mexico, and raised in Texas, before he tried to make a name in the music industry at 16, heading to Mexico City. Soon after, however, he made the transition into acting and initially started on local commercials. When talent scouts noticed his potential, he was then given the opportunity to take on a role in the 2013 series The Following.

He also tried his hand in filmmaking, directing his first short film in 2014. In 2020, he followed this up with a Western that also featured Theo Rossi.

The late actor is survived by his wife, Stephanie Canto, and their two children – Roman Alder and Eve Josephine.

Meanwhile, Fox TV, on Wednesday, grieved with the family of the actor.

“He’ll always be our Arman.

❤ Adan Canto, your memory will be cherished forever. We grieve alongside Adan’s family, friends, and fans,” it tweeted.

He'll always be our Arman. ❤️ Adan Canto, your memory will be cherished forever.

We grieve alongside Adan's family, friends, and fans. pic.twitter.com/PJI8EZEMOb

— FOX (@FOXTV) January 9, 2024

Also, American television production and distribution studio Warner Bros. Television, in a statement on Wednesday, said, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Adan Canto, a wonderful actor and dear friend. We were honoured to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment families with THE CLEANING LADY and THE FOLLOWING. We will miss Adan dearly.”

Until his death, Canto was born in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, and got his first TV role in the Mexican series ‘Estado de Gracia’ in 2009.

January 10, 2024