‘The Cleaning Lady’ Star Adan Canto Dies at 42

The Cleaning Lady star Adan Canto died Tuesday of appendiceal cancer, his rep tells The Hollywood Reporter. His diagnosis had not been made public. He was 42.

“Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever,” read a statement. “He will be greatly missed by so many.”

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Canto, who can be recognized for past TV roles on Designated Survivor and Narcos, played Arman Morales for two seasons on The Cleaning Lady. The Fox series is currently filming its third season. The Hollywood Reporter understands that Canto was not involved in the upcoming season due to his health.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Adan Canto,” said studios Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment in a statement to THR. “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.”

In addition to playing White House Chief of Staff-turned-Vice President Aaron Shore opposite Kiefer Sutherland for three seasons of Designated Survivor and playing real-life politician Rodrigo Lara Bonia in the first season Netflix’s drug cartel series Narcos, Canto’s television credits also include ABC’s Blood and Oil and Fox’s The Following. 

On the big screen, he starred in Agent Game and in Halle Berry’s directorial debut, Bruised, as well as appearing in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Canto was born in Mexico and raised in Texas. He was also a singer, guitarist and filmmaker, having directed his first short film in 2014, Before Tomorrow, and The Shot, a Western starring Theo Rossi, in 2020.

He is survived by his wife and creative partner Stephanie Ann Canto and their two children, Roman Alder, 3, and Eve Josephine, 1.

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