Trigger warning: This article mentions death.
Julian Ortega, who starred in Netflix’s hit Spanish series Elite, has died at the age of 41. The actor died of a heart attack at Playa de Zahora beach in Cadiz, Spain on Sunday, August 25, Spanish outlet The Olive Press reports.
The outlet reported that the incident happened while Ortega was standing on the beach around 5:30 p.m. Paramedics tried to revive him for 30 minutes but they were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death was confirmed by the Spanish Union of Actors and Actresses through a condolence message published on Monday, August 26. “On behalf of the Union of Actors and Actresses, our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace,” they wrote.
The actor was featured in six episodes of Elite season one as the manager of the “La Cabana” restaurant. In addition to the Netflix teen drama, Ortega’s credits include Cable Girls, Caronte, Velvet, and The Countryside.
Following the announcement of his untimely death, many expressed their condolences on social media. Stage and screen actress Sylvia Marso expressed her condolences on Instagram with a selfie of the two. She wrote, “I can’t even imagine what these parents, colleagues, so beloved in the profession, must be feeling. How awful.”
Actress Helena Lanza paid tribute to the late actor, calling him “a compassionate, kind, generous, intelligent, talented person.” She described how much she loved watching him on stage and “loved sharing plans” with him. She concluded by recalling their countless conversations and laughs. “Julian, I will always remember you.”
In her tribute, La Madrina actress Raquel Guerrero praised Oretaiga’s credibility as an actor and human being. “It was a pleasure to be able to share a little of this life and enjoy your education, your humility and your work,” she added.
