Francisco San Martin, a Spanish actor best known for his role as Dario Hernandez on the long-standing soap opera “Days of Our Lives,” took his own life at his residence in Los Angeles, California on January 16, 2025. The 39-year-old actor’s death, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, was due to ligature hanging.
San Martin, a native of Mallorca, Spain, embarked on his acting journey after his family relocated to Montana, where he engaged in children’s theater. He later returned to Spain in his teenage years, carving out a niche for himself as a model and actor in Madrid’s entertainment scene. Before he explored opportunities in America, his career took him to various stages, including television shows.
The actor’s American television debut was on “Days of Our Lives,” where he initially played a minor character who succumbed to a virus. This brief stint paved the way for a more substantial role when he was cast as Dario Hernandez.
In “Days of Our Lives” San Martin’s character started as a petty thief before being unveiled as an investigator probing a cold case. The multifaceted character allowed San Martin to demonstrate his acting versatility and carve a space for himself in the daytime television panorama. Jordi Vilasuso later assumed the role of Dario Hernandez in 2016 and 2017, giving a new spin to the character.
After his exit from “Days of Our Lives,” San Martin ventured into the film industry, landing a part in the acclaimed 2013 HBO film “Behind the Candelabra,” a Steven Soderbergh-directed production featuring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. It marked his most significant film role, where he had the chance to share the screen with award-winning actors.
In 2017, San Martin made a television comeback with two prominent roles. He was featured in 16 episodes of the daytime series “The Bold and the Beautiful” as Mateo, a groundskeeper. The same year, he joined “Jane the Virgin,” a series from The CW, starring opposite Gina Rodriguez. Here, he played Fabian Regalo del Cielo, a telenovela star who became the main character’s romantic interest. His character was instrumental in the show’s comedic and dramatic blend, making it one of his most memorable television roles.
Besides acting, San Martin also nurtured a passion for photography, broadening his creative pursuits. His last screen appearance was in a short film named “Dot.”
Camila Banus, who played San Martin’s on-screen sibling Gabi in “Days of Our Lives,” paid tribute to him 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.”