Adan Canto remembered by Designated Survivor and X-Men costars Kiefer Sutherland and Halle Berry after death

As fans mourn the death of actor Adan Canto, who starred in Designated Survivor, The Cleaning Lady, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and more, his former costars are offering their own tributes.

Canto died at the age of 42 following a private battle with appendiceal cancer, EW confirmed on Tuesday.

His representatives noted that the actor will be “greatly missed by so many,” and in the hours following the news several of Canto’s friends and former castmates are remembering their time with him.

Among them is Kiefer Sutherland, who starred alongside him in the hit political thriller Designated Survivor.

“It seems lately I have had to make too many posts like this one, but I am heartbroken by the loss of Adan Canto,” Sutherland captioned a black-and-white photo of the actors together. “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.”

He continued, “I am also heartbroken for his wife, Steph, and his two young children. Adan, may you rest in peace.”

Halle Berry, who starred with Canto in 2014’s X-Men: The Days of Future Past and more recently directed him in her 2020 thriller Bruised, also shared an emotional tribute.

“I don’t have the words just yet,” she wrote on Instagram. “But my dear sweet friend Adan just gained his wings. Forever, forever in my heart.”

Canto portrayed the pyrokinetic mutant Sunspot in the superhero film, which also starred Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, and Hugh Jackman.

Italia Ricci, who portrayed Emily Rhodes across the three seasons of Designated Survivor, also remembered Canto fondly, sharing a carousel of photos from the set: “I’m completely lost for words,” she wrote. “He was the strongest person I know in every sense of the word, and I am so angry that this happened. No one deserved this less than this sweet, brilliant, kind, and gentle man. F--- cancer. F---. I’m so sorry for everyone hurting at this devastating loss and am beyond heartbroken for his family. You’ll be in my heart always.”

Fellow Designated Survivor alum Kal Penn called the loss “absolutely heartbreaking.” Of Canto he wrote, “He was so genuine and warm, immensely talented; such a good person who was simultaneously calm and motivating. And funny. He was very, very funny. I’m so lucky to have known him.”

Maggie Q, who starred as Hannah Wells on the show, wrote that her “beautiful friend” Canto was “the level of person that Hollywood didn’t even deserve,” praising his moral compass in a touching post.

LaMonica Garrett, known for his role as Mike Ritter, wrote in his own post, “As great of an actor as Adan was, he was an even better human being, father, husband, and friend. Exuded both confidence and humility effortlessly. As stand-up as they come.”

His fellow costar Paulo Costanzo called Adan one of his “favorite castmates of all time.” He wrote that the late actor “became a trusted friend who supported me when I doubted myself and lifted me up when I was down.” 

Ben Lawson, who played Damian Rennett, wrote, “I am incredibly sad to hear the news that @adancanto has passed. I was always so envious of how cool, kind, and talented he was. And man could he ruin a take with that big laugh. My thoughts are with his beautiful family.”

Canto’s The Cleaning Lady costar Elodie Yung shared a photo of the two dressed up and smiling at the camera. “This is how we met on our pilot, laughing… and we never stopped,” she wrote. “This is how I will always remember you, Adan. All my love goes to you and to your beautiful family. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Their fellow castmate Oliver Hudson shared his own post, writing that though he “only knew Adan for two years,” it was enough time to know “what an amazing friend, father, and man he was.” 

Hudson continued, “We would spend so much time talking about our kids and what kind of people they might become. Getting out of L.A. to live a simpler existence where nature and vast landscapes set the tone for the day. He would invite me many times to ride motorcycles through the New Mexico mountains, but I never did… I regret that. I can now imagine what those rides meant to him. I’m truly devastated. Love you, my man.”

Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment issued a joint statement saying their teams were "heartbroken" to learn of Canto's death, remembering him as "a wonderful actor and dear friend."

"This is an unfathomable loss, and we grieve alongside his wife Stephanie, their children, and loved ones," the statement read. "We will miss Adan dearly."

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

Stephanie paid tribute to her late husband on Instagram, quoting the bible verse Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

She concluded the post by adding, "Forever my treasure, Adan, see you soon 💔."

In addition to his roles on Designated Survivor, The Cleaning Lady, and X-Men: Days of Future Past, Canto appeared in the movies Amanda and Jack Go Glamping, 2 Hearts, The Devil Below, and Agent Game. His TV credits also included The Following, Narcos, Blood & Oil, Second Chance, Mixology, and The Catch. He also directed two short films, 2014’s Before Tomorrow and 2020’s The Shot.

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