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Topics: News, World News, Celebrity, Netflix
Kit Roberts
Actor Julián Ortega has died at the age of 41, a statement has confirmed.
A statement from the Union of Actors and Actresses in Spain announced the Elite star's death.
Reports had previously suggested that Ortega had collapsed on a beach in Spain earlier in the week, though these are unconfirmed.
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A statement from the union said: "Actor Julián Ortega dies at the age of 41. Rest in peace. From the Union of Actors and Actresses, our most sincere condolences to the actor’s family and friends."
The actor's cause of death has not been made public.
Originally from Madrid, Ortega was known internationally for his role in the Netflix show Elite.
He appeared in six episodes of the program, playing the manager of the beer and burger joint La Caba.
His other appearances include in the Amazon Prime series Caronte (2020) and Nunc Et in Hora (2010), as well as in Spanish shows Velvet (2014), and Cristo y Rey (2023), which was also called Untameable.
Friends and colleagues of Ortega have come onto social media to pay tribute to him after his sudden and unexpected passing.
Actor Fernando Tejero posted: "I am broken with pain, dear colleague… what a great actor and what a beautiful person you are, Julian Ortega… fly high, hugs to your father and mother."
He was joined by Sílvia Marsó, who wrote: "Today the profession loses an exceptional colleague, an incredible actor, and an unforgettable human being. A big, big hug to your parents Gloria Muñoz, José Antonio Ortega, and all their family, friends and colleagues. Always our heart, dear Julian."
Fellow actor Jose Gomez-Friha also paid tribute, writing: "Thank you Julian Ortega. For teaching me when I was learning.
"How patient you were with me! Thank you Julian Ortega and rest in peace. I will always remember you. Thank you. What a shame life is."
Actor Paco Collado also paid tribute to Ortega. He said: "It was a great pleasure @julianortega_7 to play your father in @elpuebloserie you left us with sympathy, generosity and professionalism, many hugs friend and also to your family, a real shame in the prime of your youth, RIP Julian."