‘Days of Our Lives’ and ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ Actor Francisco San Martin Dies at 39
Los Angeles — Francisco San Martin, the Spanish-born performer who brought charm and intensity to popular U.S. daytime dramas, has been found dead in his Los Angeles apartment. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that San Martin died on January 16; the official cause of death was suicide by hanging. He was 39.
A Transatlantic Journey to Daytime Fame
Early Life: Born in Mérida, Spain, San Martin moved with his family to rural Montana as a child. Friends say the drastic culture shift sparked his passion for storytelling and performance.
Acting Roots: He took to the stage in local school productions before studying theater in college, eventually relocating to Los Angeles to pursue acting professionally.
Soap-Opera Breakthrough:
Days of Our Lives audiences met him as Dario Hernández, a role that showcased his ability to balance vulnerability and edge.
On The Bold and the Beautiful, he portrayed Dr. Marco, a short-term character who nevertheless left a strong impression on viewers.
Additional Credits: San Martin also guest-starred on CW’s Jane the Virgin and appeared in a slate of independent short films.
Tributes From Colleagues and Friends
Former co-stars and industry peers have flooded social media with condolences and memories:
- Camila Banus (Days of Our Lives) called him “a generous scene partner and an even kinder friend.”
- Karla Mosley (The Bold and the Beautiful) wrote, “Francisco’s laughter lifted every set he walked onto. His absence will be felt deeply.”
Fans have likewise expressed shock and sorrow, sharing clips of his most memorable scenes and praising his commitment to craft.
Mental-Health Awareness
San Martin’s passing highlights ongoing conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) urges anyone in crisis—or anyone who knows someone struggling—to reach out for help.
- In the U.S., dialing or texting 988 connects callers with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7.
- Additional resources include online chat via 988lifeline.org and multilingual support lines.
Remembering Francisco
Friends describe San Martin as a private individual who loved hiking California’s coastal trails, rooting passionately for European football, and mentoring aspiring actors.
“Francisco treated every role—big or small—as art,” said his agent in a statement. “He believed storytelling could build bridges between cultures, just as he lived between two continents himself.”
Funeral arrangements remain private at the request of the family. Fans wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to donate to mental-health charities or local theater groups that nurture young talent—two causes close to San Martin’s heart.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, you are not alone. Call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org, for confidential support at any time.
