Adam Canto (The Cleaning Lady (US)) passed away at the age of 42

Adan Canto, the Mexican-American actor known for The Cleaning Lady (US), passed away on January 8. He was 42. Canto, who transitioned from his music career in Mexico to an actor in Hollywood, died after a personal battle with appendiceal cancer.



Canto (pictured) recently starred in Fox's drama series The Cleaning Lady (US), where he played the male lead in the first two seasons. Although his health prevented him from filming when production on season three started in December, Canto planned to rejoin the cast later in the season following the end of the strikes. The series will pay tribute to its cast member with a card in the season three premiere episode.

Canto was born in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico in 1981 and grew up in Texas. At the age of sixteen, he left home to pursue a career as a singer and guitarist in Mexico City. He began acting in local commercials and television series before being scouted for a major role in Kevin Williamson's 2013 Fox drama series The Following.

He showed his versatility as an actor, starring in series such as Designated Survivor, where he played Vice President Aaron Shore opposite Kiefer Sutherland, Mixology and Blood & Oil for three seasons. He also had a memorable role in Narcos as the politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla and guest-starred in the sci-fi drama series Second Chance (2016).

For the past two years, Canto played the gangster Arman Morales opposite Élodie Yung in The Cleaning Lady (US). Both Fox's The Following, which was Canto's first American acting role, and The Cleaning Lady (US), which was his last, were produced by Warner Bros. TV.

“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,” Fox and WBTV said in a statement. “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.”

Canto is probably best known on the big screen for his role as Sunspot in X-Men: Days of Future Past and he also had major roles in 2 Hearts, Halle Berry's directorial debut Bruised and Agent Game, among others.

An emerging filmmaker, Canto directed his first short film in 2014 and his second, a provocative western starring Theo Rossi, in 2020.

“Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew. Those who glimpsed it were changed forever,” Canto’s reps at UTA, Entertainment360 and Viewpoint said. “He will be greatly missed by so many.”

Canto is survived by his wife, best friend and creative partner Stephanie Ann Canto, and their two young children, Roman Alder, age 3½, and Eve Josephine, 1½.