Canto had suffered from appendiceal cancer, his publicist said, adding that the Mexica star “had a depth of spirit that few truly knew.”

Actor Adan Canto, who was known for his role in US TV shows like “The Cleaning Lady” and “Designated Survivor” as well as films including X-Men: Days of Future Past, has died at the age of 42.

The Mexican star died on Monday of appendiceal cancer, said his publicist Jennifer Allen, who added in a statement that Canto “had a depth of spirit that few truly knew.”

“Those who glimpsed it were changed forever. He will be greatly missed by so many,” Allen’s statement read.

Born in Mexico and raised in Texas, Canto was a skilled actor and musician who was starring as gangster Arman Morales in Fox’s crime drama “The Cleaning Lady,” which was filming its third season at the time of his death. Allen said Canto had not yet begun working on the new season.

Canto was the national security adviser in Designated Survivor alongside Kiefer Sutherland, who paid tribute to the actor as “such a wonderful spirit”.

“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.”

In the 2014 Marvel superhero movie “X-Men: Days of Future Past”, Canto played mutant Sunspot, and co-star Halle Berry later cast him in her movie Bruised.

The actress and director wrote on Instagram: “I don’t have the words just yet… but my dear sweet friend Adan just gained his wings. Forever, forever in my heart.”

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Adan Canto. A wonderful actor and dear friend, we were honoured to have him as part of the Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment families since his US debut in The Following more than a decade ago,” Fox and Warner Bros Television 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,” they added. “This is an unfathomable loss, and we grieve alongside his wife Stephanie, their children, and loved ones. We will miss Adan dearly.”

Canto’s wife Stephanie Ann posted a photo of the couple, a Bible passage, and the words: “Forever my treasure Adan, see you soon.”

Canto played Aaron Shore in “Designated Survivor”, which aired on the ABC network in 2016 and 2017 before being picked up by Netflix for a third and final season.

His first credit came in 2009 when he appeared in two episodes of “Estado de Gracia,” a TV series distributed in Mexico. He went on to appear in several Mexican TV shows and films until 2013, when he made his breakthrough in the US in Fox thriller “The Following”.

An emerging filmmaker in his own right, the actor starred in and directed his first short film in 2014 titled “Before Tomorrow.”

Canto went on to appear in one episode of Netflix cartel series “Narcos,” and in Season 1 of the ABC sitcom Mixology and drama “Blood & Oil.” He reunited with Sutherland in “Designated Survivor,” appearing in all three of the show’s seasons between 2016 and 2020.

Canto’s film credits also included CIA thriller “Agent Game” in 2022.