Francisco San Martin, ‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’ Actor, Dies at 39.
Francisco San Martin, a talented actor known for his roles in “Days of Our Lives” and “Jane the Virgin,” tragically passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 39. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that San Martin died by suicide, with the cause of death ruled as “ligature hanging.” His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a bright talent.
San Martin first gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Dario Hernandez on “Days of Our Lives,” where he appeared in a total of 59 episodes from 2010 to 2011. His character, initially introduced as a thief, was later revealed to be investigating a cold case, adding depth and intrigue to his role. Following his success on the soap opera, San Martin continued to build his career with appearances in Steven Soderbergh’s “Behind the Candelabra” alongside Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, and roles in “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Jane the Virgin.”
In “Jane the Virgin,” San Martin played Fabian Regalo del Cielo, an actor in the telenovela within the show, for seven episodes across Seasons 3 and 4. His performance was well-received, and he quickly became a fan favorite. San Martin’s last screen credit was in the short film “Dot,” directed by Tiffany Frances.
San Martin’s journey in the entertainment industry began in Montana, where he started acting in children’s theater productions before moving to Spain as a teenager to pursue modeling. He later returned to the United States to work professionally, making a name for himself in both Spanish and American productions.
The news of San Martin’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from his colleagues and fans. Camila Banus, who played his sister Gabi on “Days of Our Lives,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing her love and sorrow. She wrote, “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.”
San Martin’s death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for support.
As the entertainment community mourns the loss of Francisco San Martin, his legacy will continue to live on through his impactful performances and the memories he created for fans around the world.