R.I.P. Adan Canto: ‘Designated Survivor’ And ‘The Cleaning Lady’ Star Dead At 42

Adan Canto, the actor best known for his roles in Designated Survivor and The Cleaning Lady, died on Monday (Jan. 8) after losing his private battle to appendiceal (appendix) cancer, per Deadline. He was 42.

According to the outlet, the Fox drama, in which he starred as Arman Morales, will honor him with a tribute card during the upcoming Season 3 premiere on March 5. Canto appeared in 53 episodes of Designated Surivor — which made its way to Netflix from ABC for its third and final season — playing Aaron Shore alongside Kiefer Sutherland‘s Tom Kirkman.

Canto made his on-screen debut in the Mexican drama Estado de Gracia in 2012, per IMDb. He first appeared on American television in the thriller series The Following starring Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy. Other notable TV appearances include an episode of Narcos, nine episodes of Blood and Oil, five episodes of Second Chance, and an episode of The Catch

In terms of films, significant roles included Sunspot in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Nate in Amanda & Jack Go Glamping (2017), which also starred David Arquette, Amy Acker, and June Squibb, and Jorge in 2 Hearts (2020).

Canto made his directorial debut in 2014 with the short film Before Tomorrow, and also directed The Shot in 2020.

Canto was born in 1981 in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, but grew up in Del Rio, Texas, per Variety. However, his acting career was preceded by a career in music in Mexico City. According to The Wrap, Canto was the lead singer of the band Del Canto.

His representatives at United Talent Agency (UTA) released the following statement to Deadline:

“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.”

The late actor’s legacy is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, and their two daughters, Roman Alder and Eve Josephine.