Kiefer Sutherland Mourns “Designated Survivor” Costar Adan Canto After His Death at 42: 'Heartbroken'

Canto died at the age of 42 following a private journey with appendiceal cancer

Kiefer Sutherland is mourning the death of his Designated Survivor costar Adan Canto.

Canto died at the age of 42 following a private journey with appendiceal cancer, according to The Wrap, which shared the sad news on Tuesday.

Following the news of his death, many stars have been paying tribute, including Canto’s Designated Survivor costar Sutherland, 57. The late actor played the role of Aaron Shore alongside Sutherland’s Tom Kirkman in the hit political thriller series.

“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 wrote in his caption alongside a black-and-white photo of the two dressed in black suits.

The actor continued, “He was such a wonderful spirit.”

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“As an actor his desire to do well, to be great, and then do better, was truly impressive and he will be greatly missed,” Sutherland added in his caption. “I am also heartbroken for his wife, Steph and his two young children. Adan, may you rest in peace.”

Italia Ricci, who played the role of Emily Rhodes on the show, also penned an emotional message while sharing a photo of her, Canto and Kal Penn on set.

“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,” wrote the actress, 37. “No one deserved this less than this sweet, brilliant, kind, and gentle man.”

“F— cancer. F—,” Ricci added. “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. 🤍.”

Meanwhile, Maggie Q, who played Hannah Wells, also shared a carousel post that featured a single shot of Canto, as well as snaps of them on Designated Survivor.

“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,” wrote Maggie Q, 44.

“No one had your moral compass nor did they even come close,” the actress continued. “I don’t understand this. Anyone who knew you was a lucky one. That’s all I do know. 💔.”

Penn, who played Seth Wright on the show, shared a carousel post of more on-set photos, writing in his caption, "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," added Penn, 46.

Related: Halle Berry Mourns Late X-Men Costar Adan Canto After His Death at 42: 'Forever, Forever in My Heart'

Canto, who began his career as a musician in Mexico before becoming a Hollywood actor, died after a battle with appendiceal cancer, which he kept out of the public eye, according to Deadline. 

"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, per the outlet. "He will be greatly missed by so many."

Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment also shared a statement saying they were "heartbroken" to learn of the actor’s death.

Aside from his role on Designated Survivor, Canto starred as Paul on The Following, Arman Morales on The Cleaning Lady, Sunspot in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Rodrigo Lara Bonilla on Narcos. Behind the camera, he also directed and produced two short films: Before Tomorrow (2014) and The Shot (2020).

Canto is survived by his wife, Stephanie Ann Canto, and their two young children: son Roman, 3½, and daughter Eve, 21 months.

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