Adan Canto, ‘The Cleaning Lady’, ‘X-Men’ and ‘Designated Survivor’ Actor, Dies at 42

Adan Canto, who starred in Fox’s series “The Cleaning Lady” and appeared in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “Designated Survivor,” Netflix’s “Narcos” and more, died Monday after a private bout of appendiceal cancer, Variety has confirmed. He was 42.

In “The Cleaning Lady,” Canto starred as gangster Arman Morales, who recruits a mother into his criminal organization as a cleaner after she witnesses a brutal murder. Élodie Young plays lead character Thony De La Rosa, who agrees to help Arman’s crime family in exchange for protection for her 5-year-old son. Season 2 ended with Arman ending up in prison and Thony left behind to continue his business. Season 3 is currently shooting and is set to begin airing on March 5.

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Born in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, Canto grew up in Del Rio, Texas, and pursued an early career in music. He wrote songs for several Mexican TV shows and films, and eventually landed on stage in an adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar’s “All About My Mother.” His first TV role was on “Estado de Gracia” in 2009.

Canto’s American acting debut came in the Fox crime thriller series “The Following,” starring Kevin Bacon, in 2013. He went on to have roles in ABC’s sitcom “Mixology,” Netflix’s crime drama “Narcos,” “Blood and Oil” and “Second Chance.” His first major film role was playing the superhero Sunspot in Fox “X-Men: Days of Future Past” in 2014.

In 2016, Canto joined Fox’s “Designated Survivor” as Vice President Aaron Shore alongside Kiefer Sutherland’s U.S. President Tom Kirkman. The actor also directed two short films, “Before Tomorrow” in 2014 and “The Shot” in 2020. His other film credits included “Amanda and Jack Go Glamping,” “2 Hearts,” “Bruised,” “The Devil Below” and “Agent Game.”

“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,” Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment said in a joint 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.”

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

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