Francisco San Martin, best known for originating the role of Dario Hernandez in Days of Our Lives, has tragically passed away at the age of 39. The actor died on 16 January at his home, with the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office confirming the cause of death as suicide by hanging.
Born in Mallorca on 27 August 1985, San Martin’s stint on the popular soap opera lasted six months in 2011. He debuted as a petty thief, with his character later revealed to be investigating a cold case in Salem. Dario Hernandez ultimately left for Argentina after receiving a job promotion, with the role later recast and portrayed by Jordi Vilasuso between 2016 and 2017.
San Martin also appeared in The Bold and the Beautiful in 2017, where he played Mateo, a charming groundskeeper entangled in one of Sheila’s notorious schemes. Fans may also remember his recurring arc on Jane the Virgin, where he starred opposite Gina Rodriguez as Fabian Regalo del Cielo, an actor in Rogelio’s telenovela. His character appeared in Seasons 3 and 4, sharing a brief and tumultuous relationship with Jane.
Tributes have poured in following the actor’s untimely passing. Days of Our Lives co-star Camila Banus, who portrayed his on-screen sister Gabi, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend,” she wrote. “Love you mucho mucho mucho; I wish I had told you more.”
San Martin began his acting journey in children’s theatre productions in Montana before returning to Madrid as a teenager, where he worked as a model and began studying acting. His talent saw him progress to stage, television, and film roles in Spain, eventually earning a global audience with his work in the US.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actor whose career, though short-lived, left a lasting impression.