The family of Cristina Sanz shared news of her death on Instagram on July 8, revealing that the star of A&E’s Emmy-winning series “Born This Way” had died on July 6, 2026, following a sudden cardiac arrest at age 36. Sanz had been taken to a hospital directly from her day program, and loved ones were with her in her final moments.
Her family characterized the loss as “a total shock and unexpected.”
A Groundbreaking Show and an Unforgettable Presence
“Born This Way” premiered on A&E on December 8, 2015, and aired through 2019, documenting seven people with Down syndrome as they pursued careers, relationships, and independence while defying stereotypes. Sanz appeared in all four seasons of the program.
The official A&E synopsis noted that the series gave voice to the parents of those featured, allowing them to discuss the joy their children brought to their families and the challenges they faced in helping them live as independently as possible. The program provided an intimate look at the daily triumphs and obstacles encountered by young adults with Down syndrome as they pursued their dreams and built meaningful lives.
The show earned the Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program award at the 2016 Emmy Awards. Sanz documented her relationship with Angel Callahan during her time on the series, and the two married in 2018 before parting ways in 2021.
In December 2025, she posted a nostalgic photo on Instagram featuring the show’s cast — a picture that fans returned to after learning of her death.
Celebrity Friendships and a Memorable Emmy Night
Sanz forged connections with several well-known figures beyond the show itself. She crossed paths with actress Jamie Lee Curtis at the ceremony where “Born This Way” took home its award, and Curtis immediately stood and applauded the cast that evening. Sanz also met singer Alicia Keys on the set of “The Voice.”
When Curtis won an Academy Award in 2023 for her role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” Sanz turned to Instagram to celebrate. She wrote that Curtis had been the first to applaud them at the Emmys and expressed her excitement about Curtis’s Oscar win.
Network and Fans Pay Tribute
A&E released a statement following news of Sanz’s death, expressing sorrow over the loss of a woman who had become a meaningful figure in the network’s history. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cristina Sanz, who touched the hearts of many through her time on Born This Way,” a network spokesperson said. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.”
Many described the personal impact the show had on their own lives. One commenter recounted receiving a prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis in 2015 and finding comfort in watching Sanz and her castmates on screen. “Sending our condolences to your beautiful family,” the commenter wrote. “I received my prenatal diagnosis during Born This Way in 2015 and it brought us so much comfort.” Others reflected on Sanz’s lasting impact, saying she had personally touched many lives and that they would always cherish memories of her sense of humor, her vibrant energy, and the friendship they shared through the years.