Francisco San Martin, a Spanish actor best known for portraying Dario Hernandez in the long-standing soap opera, “Days of Our Lives,” tragically ended his life at his residence in Los Angeles, California on January 16, 2025. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as ligature hanging. He was 39 years old.
San Martin was born in Mallorca, Spain. His acting journey started in Montana after his family relocated there, and he became involved in children’s theater productions. While in his teens, he returned to Spain and established a foothold in Madrid’s entertainment industry as an actor and model. He appeared in several stage productions and television shows before deciding to explore opportunities in the United States.
His American television debut was on “Days of Our Lives” where he initially played a minor character who succumbs to a virus. This brief stint opened the door to a more prominent role when he was later cast as Dario Hernandez.
On “Days of Our Lives,” San Martin’s character was initially introduced as a petty thief, later revealed to be an investigator delving into a cold case. This character depth demonstrated his acting versatility and helped him establish a foothold in the world of daytime television. In 2016-2017, the role of Dario Hernandez was reprised by actor Jordi Vilasuso who took the character in a different direction.
After leaving “Days of Our Lives,” San Martin transitioned into film roles, most notably in the acclaimed 2013 HBO film “Behind the Candelabra,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and featuring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. This marked his most significant film appearance, providing him the opportunity to work alongside award-winning actors.
In 2017, San Martin returned to television in two significant roles. He appeared in 16 episodes of “The Bold and the Beautiful” as Mateo, a groundskeeper. That same year, he joined the cast of The CW’s “Jane the Virgin,” where he played Fabian Regalo del Cielo, a telenovela star who attracts the attention of the main character. His role on “Jane the Virgin” lasted for seasons three and four, becoming one of his most memorable television roles.
Outside of his acting career, San Martin nurtured a passion for photography, adding another facet to his creative pursuits. His last appearance on screen was in a short film titled “Dot.”
Camila Banus, San Martin’s former co-star from “Days of Our Lives” who played his on-screen sister Gabi, offered a tribute on Instagram: “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.”