Francisco San Martin, of Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin, Dead at 39

Francisco San Martin, a soap opera actor known for originating the role of Dario Hernandez in Days of Our Lives, died Jan. 16 at his home. He was 39.

via: TV Line

The cause of death, according to the Los Angeles County Coroners Office, was suicide by hanging.

On NBC’s Days, San Martin had a six-month run in 2011 as Dario Hernandez, who first arrived in Salem appearing to be just a petty thief; the role was subsequently played in 2015-16 by Guiding Light alum Jordi Vilasuso.

In 2017, San Martin had a brief arc on CBS’ B&B as Mateo, a Forrester Manor staffer who was recruited/paid by Sheila to seduce Quinn (though he wound up being rebuffed).

San Martin’s TV credits also included The CW’s Jane The Virgin, where in Seasons 3-4 he played Fabian Regalo del Cielo, an actor on Rogelio’s telenovela Los Viajes de Guillermo. Jane was instantly attracted to Fabian, and the two had a brief and ultimately messy courtship.

According to Forbes and several outlets, Days co-star Camila Banus — who portrayed his on-screen sister Gabi — posted a tribute to San Martin on Instagram: “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend,” she wrote, adding, “Love you mucho mucho mucho; I wish I had told you more.”

Per the publication, San Martin began his acting journey in children’s theater productions while growing up in Montana. He returned to Madrid as a teenager, where he worked as a model and started taking acting classes. Eventually, he graduated to appearing in stage, TV and film productions in Spain.

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