Francisco San Martin, a Spanish actor best known for his work on the popular American soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” passed away by suicide at his residence in Los Angeles, California, on January 16, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office verified his cause of death as hanging by ligature. San Martin was 39 years old at the time of his death.
San Martin, a native of Mallorca, Spain, began his journey into acting after his family relocated to Montana. He took part in local children’s theater productions and later returned to Spain during his adolescence. In Madrid, he made a name for himself in the entertainment scene as both an actor and model, appearing in various theater productions and television programs before seeking opportunities in the United States.
San Martin made his debut on American television with a small role on “Days of Our Lives,” where he played a patient who succumbs to a virus. His performance in this role opened up a more substantial opportunity, leading to his casting as the character Dario Hernandez.
In his initial appearances as Hernandez on “Days of Our Lives,” San Martin’s character was portrayed as a small-time thief. However, it was later revealed that this was a disguise for his real role as a detective investigating a cold case. This intricate character development demonstrated his acting versatility and solidified his place in the world of daytime television. Actor Jordi Vilasuso later took over the role of Dario Hernandez in 2016 and 2017, giving the character a fresh interpretation.
After leaving “Days of Our Lives,” San Martin transitioned into film and landed a role in the esteemed 2013 HBO movie “Behind the Candelabra.” Directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, this film allowed San Martin to share the screen with these celebrated actors, marking his most significant cinema appearance.
In 2017, San Martin made a comeback to television with two noteworthy roles. He starred in 16 episodes of the daytime series “The Bold and the Beautiful,” playing Mateo, a groundskeeper. His character was involved in a major storyline during his tenure on the show. That same year, he joined the cast of The CW’s “Jane the Virgin,” opposite Gina Rodriguez. In the series, he played Fabian Regalo del Cielo, a telenovela star who charms the main character. His portrayal of the telenovela heartthrob was instrumental in the show’s blend of comedy and drama, making his performance in seasons three and four of “Jane the Virgin” one of his most memorable television roles.
Outside of acting, San Martin pursued a passion for photography, adding a new facet to his creative career. His final on-screen appearance was in a short film titled “Dot.”
Camila Banus, who played San Martin’s on-screen sister, Gabi, in “Days of Our Lives,” paid tribute on Instagram, saying, “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.”
