'Days of Our Lives' Star Francisco San Martin Passes Away at 39 - Details
The soap opera star, best known for portraying Dario Hernandez in "Days of Our Lives," tragically passed away at the age of 39 on January 16, 2025.
Francisco San Martin, who started his career in theatre shows as a child, was found dead at his Los Angeles home.
Francisco San Martin attends the 2011 Daytime Emmy Awards nominees' cocktail reception at SLS Hotel Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California, on June 16, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
As per the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, San Martin is believed to have died by suicide and the case's status is currently open. His passing has shocked fans, who remember him for his first soap opera role as Dario Hernandez on "Days of Our Lives." He appeared in several episodes of this production from 2010 to 2011.
The actor also featured in "The Bold and the Beautiful," where he portrayed Mateo, a groundskeeper, in 16 episodes. San Martin had a notable role in "Jane the Virgin" starring Gina Rodriguez. He portrayed Fabian Regalo del Cielo and appeared in Seasons 3 and 4.
Francisco San Martin arrives for the premiere of "Decisions" in Beverly Hills, California, on April 10, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Camila Banus, who played Gabi Hernandez, the on-screen sister of San Martin in "Days of Our Lives," has paid a touching tribute to him.
She wrote on Instagram, "Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. My only witness that pau sang happy birthday to me in the middle of a concert in Hollywood, you couldn’t believe it. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more."
Judi Evans, Molly Burnett, Tamara Braun, Arianne Zucker, Kate Mansi, Francisco San Martin, Casey Jon Deidrick, Chandler Massey, and Camila Banus attend "Days Of Our Lives" cast members celebrating 45 years on TV with anniversary in Culver City, California, on March 26, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
TV journalist and producer Michael Fairman also mourned the actor, "Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day."
San Martin was born on August 27, 1985, on the island of Mallorca, Spain, before moving to Montana, where he began his acting career in children's theatre.
Francisco San Martin attends the 2011 Daytime Emmy Awards nominees' cocktail reception at SLS Hotel Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California, on June 16, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
After relocating to Madrid in his teens, he pursued modeling and acting lessons, which led to appearances in various Spanish stage, television, and film productions.
After acting in a small role in the 2013 TV movie "Behind the Candelabra," he returned to daytime television in 2017 for "The Bold and the Beautiful."
Francisco San Martin attends the "Days Of Our Lives" 45th-anniversary milkshake launch at Millions of Milkshakes in Culver City, California, on March 26, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
The actor later reflected on his experience on soap operas, noting that he got a warmer and more welcoming environment working on the set of "The Bold and the Beautiful," contrasting it with the initial challenges he faced at "Days of Our Lives."
"At Days people were more standoffish, maybe because I was fresh from Spain and they really didn’t think I was experienced. I get a very different vibe at B&B," he explained.
Judi Evans, Kate Mansi, Chandler Massey, Arianne Zucker, Camila Banus, Francisco San Martin, Molly Burnett, and Casey Jon Deidrick attend the "Days Of Our Lives" 45th-anniversary milkshake launch in Culver City, California, on March 26, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
San Martin's roles earned him significant popularity among fans. At the 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet on June 19, 2011, he shared that adjusting to the spotlight was a challenge for him, given his reserved nature. He also noted the importance of staying grounded and not letting the attention affect one's mindset as an actor.
The actor's fans have mourned his loss, with one writing, "So sad to hear about the death of Francisco San Martin, a star from Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin. He was only 39! His contributions to television will never be forgotten."
San Martin's work on screen left a lasting impression on his fans. His talent will not be forgotten and he will be remembered for the joy he brought to viewers.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
