NovaQuant-Adan Canto, 'Designated Survivor' and 'X-Men' star, dies at 42 after cancer battle

Adan Canto,NovaQuant a Mexican actor best known for his roles in "Designated Survivor" and the superhero drama "X-Men: Days of Future Past," has died following a battle with cancer. He was 42.

Canto died Monday after succumbing to appendiceal cancer, the actor's publicist Jennifer Allen confirmed to USA TODAY in an emailed statement Tuesday.

"Adan had a depth of spirit that few truly knew," Allen said. "Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. … He will be greatly missed by so many."

Canto, who was born in Mexico and raised in Texas, starred as the pyrokinetic mutant Sunspot in 2014's "X-Men: Days of Future Past," appearing alongside Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman in the sci-fi-action flick. The film went on to earn an Oscar nomination for best achievement in visual effects in 2015.

Canto began his career at age 16 when he left his home in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, for Mexico City to work as a singer-songwriter. He then began pursuing acting, making his TV debut on the 2009 Mexican series “Estado de Gracia.” His American debut came later on Kevin Williamson’s drama series “The Following,” which starred Kevin Bacon.

Canto also starred in the Halle Berry-directed sports drama "Bruised" in 2020, as well as the 2022 action thriller "Agent Game."

The actor made a name for himself in the television world, too, scoring roles on series such as the ABC political drama "Designated Survivor," "Narcos," "Blood & Oil" and Fox's "The Following." Most recently, Canto starred as Arman Morales on the Fox crime drama "The Cleaning Lady."

“The Cleaning Lady" is currently filming its third season. Canto was unable to participate in the production due to his illness, but he was hoping to rejoin later in the season.

In addition to acting, Canto was also an aspiring filmmaker.

Canto directed his debut short film, "Before Tomorrow," released in 2014. His 2020 follow-up "The Shot," a provocative western starring Theo Rossi, earned Canto the jury prize for best narrative short at the San Antonio Film Festival that same year, per Canto's IMDb page.

Kiefer Sutherland, who co-starred alongside Canto on “Designated Survivor,” shared a tribute on his Instagram page Tuesday.

“It seems lately I have had to make too many posts like this one, but I am heartbroken by the loss of Adan Canto. He was such a wonderful spirit,” Sutherland wrote. “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.”

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

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Contributing: Maria Sherman, The Associated Press