Gerardo Taracena, star of Narcos, passed away on Saturday. He was 55 years old, according to the New York Post.
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From 2018 to 2021, Taracena played the memorable character Pablo Acosta in Narcos, a show that follows Mexico's Guadalajara Cartel in the 80s. Other notable works of Taracena's include Mel Gibson's Apocolypto, Man on Fire, and Sin Nombre. He also won an Ariel Award in 2005 for his performance in the movie El Violin.
The exact cause of Taracena's death has not yet been disclosed. In the meantime, fans of the actor have taken to various social media outlets to pay tribute to his legacy. Under a post from the Academy of Mexican Cinematographic Arts And Sciences, fans shared their condolences:
"Oh no! His death really hurt. He brought to life many of my favorite characters, even though Vicente was a secondary character in Los Simuladores (Mexico)."
"What a shame! Rest in peace."
Another fan even spoke on a personal interaction they had with Taracena, sharing that he was "intimidating" but also "very positive and kind."
"I participated in the film Apocalypto, back in 2006," they wrote. "I'm from Xalapa, and I remember they held auditions in Catemaco for the filming. That's where I met Gera. To be honest, his energetic personality intimidated me a little, but he was always a very positive and kind person. A regrettable loss..."
Gerardo Taraceno "Left a Profound Human Mark" on Film
Gerardo Taraceno was born on March 27, 1970, in Mexico City. He attended the University Theater Center of the National Autonomous University of Mexico to study acting, according to Fandango. In the 90s, he transitioned from dance and theatre to film. He would go on to star in both Spanish- and English-language films and make his mark playing a wide variety of characters.
The Academy highlighted Taracena's "absolute dedication" and "deep commitment to his craft".
"The Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences deeply regrets the passing of Gerardo Taracena, a fundamental actor in Mexican cinema," they wrote. "Whose screen presence left an intense, honest, and profoundly human mark."
They continued, saying, "The Academy extends its respect and solidarity to his family, friends, and colleagues. His work and his unforgettable face will remain in the memory of our cinema."
