The sudden passing of actor Adan Canto at 42 has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with his co-stars and colleagues leading the outpouring of love and remembrance.
Canto, known for his roles in the “Designated Survivor” and “The Cleaning Lady,” kept his battle with appendiceal cancer private until his death on January 8th. His publicist, Jennifer Allen, shared a touching statement with the Associated Press: “Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever,” She wrote in a statement, “He will be greatly missed by so many.”
The tributes haven’t stopped since then. Canto’s “Designated Survivor” co-stars, friends, and fellow actors have shared stories of his kindness, talent, and infectious spirit, painting a picture of a man who touched everyone he met.
This is a testament to the impact Adan Canto had on the world. The void he leaves behind will be felt for a long time to come.
Adan Canto, the Mexican actor who stole hearts in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and shows like Designated Survivor (2016), Agent Game (2022), and The Cleaning Lady (2022), wasn’t just a star in front of the camera. He was also a filmmaking whiz behind it! Adan directed two cool short films called Before Tomorrow (2014) and The Shot (2020). He poured his talent into both, proving he was a triple threat: actor, director, and all-around awesome guy.
Adan leaves behind his wife Stephanie and their two young children, Roman, a bright-eyed 3-year-old, and Eve, a precious 1-year-old girl. Stephanie shared a beautiful picture of her and Adan on Instagram, with a verse from the Bible. “Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon”, she wrote. Her words are full of hope and strength.
The news of Adan’s passing hit his Hollywood friends like a punch to the gut. Kiefer Sutherland, who played alongside him in Designated Survivor, shared his grief on social media. “I am heartbroken by the loss of Adan Canto. 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. I am also heartbroken for his wife, Steph and his two young children. Adan, may you rest in peace.”
Other co-stars and colleagues followed suit, filling online spaces with stories of Adan’s warmth, talent, and infectious laughter. It was clear – Adan had touched lives far and wide, leaving a void that echoed across the industry. The world had lost a bright star, but his memory would keep shining through the love and laughter he left behind.
Adan’s co-stars flooded social media with their memories. Italia Ricci, his on-screen love interest in Designated Survivor, choked back tears in an Instagram post. She wrote, with a series of photos of them laughing together. “I’m completely lost for words. 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.”
Kal Penn, another colleague, posted a picture of him and Adan in stitches, followed by more snapshots of their friendship. He wrote. “Absolutely heartbreaking to lose Adan Canto. 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. My heart goes out to Steph, the kids, and the whole family.”
One by one, Adan’s Hollywood family took to the internet, their words weaving a tapestry of love and loss. It was a testament to the man he was, the life he lived, and the impact he left behind. Even in their grief, his friends showed the world just how much sunshine Adan Canto had brought into their lives.
Maggie Q, his Hannah Wells in Designated Survivor, couldn’t hold back the tears. She posted three photos of Adan, each one a brighter smile than the last. She wrote, “Beautiful friend…You are the level of person that Hollywood didn’t even deserve. Kindness and warmth and generosity of spirit- total dedication to your family, and ALWAYS doing the right thing. No one had your moral compass nor did they even come close. I don’t understand this. Anyone who knew you was a lucky one. That’s all I do know.”
Oliver Hudson who worked with him in The Cleaning Lady, shared his pain. “Two years wasn’t enough, Adan,” he wrote. “I only knew Adan for 2 years but it was enough to know what an amazing friend, father and man he was. Wow did he loved his family. We would spend so much time talking about our kids and what kind of people they might become.“
He further said, “Getting out of LA 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.”
One by one, Adan’s friends and colleagues stepped forward, filling the internet with their memories and love. Each word is a brushstroke on a portrait of a man gone too soon, yet whose light would forever shine through the lives he touched.
Halle Berry, still shaken by the loss, found solace in her memories. She paid tribute to her former X-Men co-star, and she wrote, “I don’t have the words just yet…. but my dear sweet friend Adan just gained his wings. Forever, forever in my heart.”
With each tribute, Adan Canto’s story unfolded, piece by piece. A tale of talent, kindness, and laughter that echoed through the halls of Hollywood and into the hearts of those who knew him best. And though their tears flowed freely, it was clear that even in their grief, his friends cherished the warmth Adan had brought into their lives. He may be gone, but his memory would forever be a beacon, guiding them through the darkness.
Adan’s legacy reached beyond “Designated Survivor.” In 2021’s horror flick “The Devil Below”, he led the charge alongside Jonathan Sadowski, who took to Instagram to mourn his friend. “I will always remember playing chess and guitar by a campfire under the Kentucky sky. You made a DAMN FINE Cacio e Pepe. You were a talent that words won’t do justice, and I can’t wrap my head around why you were taken so soon. I will miss you, my friend. May choirs of angels come to greet you, and speed you to paradise.”
Even the bigwigs at Fox and Warner Bros. chimed in. “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Adan Canto. A wonderful actor and dear friend, we were honored to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment families since his U.S. debut in The Following more than a decade ago. Most recently, he lit up the screen in The Cleaning Lady with a powerful performance that showcased his artistry, range, depth and vulnerability. This is an unfathomable loss, and we grieve alongside his wife Stephanie, their children and loved ones. We will miss Adan dearly.” stated The Hollywood Reporter.
From co-stars to studios, the outpouring of love painted a clear picture: Adan Canto was more than just a talented actor. He was a friend, a confidant, a brother. And though gone too soon, his memory would resonate through Hollywood and beyond, a testament to the light he brought into the world.
Fans of Adan Canto movies and TV shows often remark on his ability to bring depth and nuance to every character he portrays
How did Adan Canto die?
Adan Canto passed away on January 8, 2024, after battling appendiceal cancer privately. His publicist confirmed the news and shared that he had a “depth of spirit that few truly knew.”
What was Adan Canto known for?
Adan Canto was a Mexican-American actor who starred in various TV shows and films. He’s best known for his roles in “Designated Survivor” (2016), “The Cleaning Lady” (2022), and “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014). He also directed two short films, “Before Tomorrow” (2014) and “The Shot” (2020).
How did people react to his death?
Adan Canto’s death received an outpouring of love and grief from his co-stars, friends, and colleagues. They shared stories of his kindness, talent, and infectious spirit, painting a picture of a man who touched everyone he met.
What was Adan Canto’s last project?
Adan Canto’s final acting project was the Fox drama series “The Cleaning Lady,” where he played a lead role. His performance was praised for its depth and vulnerability.
What was Adan Canto like as a person?
Adan Canto was described by his friends and colleagues as a wonderful actor, a dear friend, and a good person. He was known for his talent, warmth, sense of humour, and dedication to his family.