Netflix star Julián Ortega, who starred in the popular Spanish TV drama Elite, has sadly died at the age of 41.
The late actor's death was announced in a statement shared by Spain’s national union of actors and actresses.
"Actor Julián Ortega dies at the age of 41. Rest in peace. From the Union of Actors and Actresses, our most sincere condolences to the actor’s family and friends," the union wrote.
The Spanish star's cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, but according to The Sun, he suffered a heart attack while on Zahora Beach in Barbate, southwest of Marbella at around 5:30PM on Sunday (August 25).
Ortega, who hailed from Madrid, was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics tried reviving him for 30 minutes.
Many fans and co-stars have now taken to their social media to share heartfelt tributes to the late actor.
Ortega's The Countryside co-star Paco Collado shared his respects, writing (translated to English): “It was a great pleasure [Julián Ortega] to play your father in [The Countryside] you left us with sympathy, generosity and professionalism, many hugs friend and also to your family, a real shame in the prime of your youth, RIP Julian.”
"Friend, generous, humble, honorable, kind, talented, funny, good soul. I am grateful for having met you, for working with you, for having enjoyed and laughed so much while rehearsing and acting. What a great guy you are. See you there. I love you very much," actor Javi Coll penned on X.
Actress Silvia Marso wrote: "He was an extraordinary colleague and an exceptional actor. Extremely prepared, capable of playing the most difficult characters you can imagine. How immensely sad," adding: "I feel so sorry for him, his parents, his family, and his friends and colleagues."
One fan shared: "My deepest condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues. A big hug to everyone in these very difficult times and much encouragement. RIP," while another added: "How sad! May the earth be light on you. A big hug to your family."
As aforementioned, Ortega was best known for his role on Elite, a Spanish teen drama series that ran on Netflix for eight seasons from 2018 to 2024. He appeared in six episodes of the show as the manager of “La Cabana” restaurant.
The actor also appeared in numerous other shows including the Amazon Prime series Caronte (2020), Nunc Et in Hora (2010), and Spanish shows Velvet (2014) and Cristo y Rey (2023) - also known as Untameable.
According to his IMDb, he completed work on the forthcoming film Trompeta before his untimely death.
Ortega’s mother, Gloria Munoz, is also an actor. She is known for the films Pellet, Hopelessly Devout, and The Flower of My Secret, as well as the shows A Different View and Dangerous Moms, per her IMDb.
Our thoughts are with Ortega's family, friends, and fans at this devastating time.
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