Spanish actor Julian Ortega passes away

Julián Ortega, known for his role in the Netflix series ‘Elite’, has died at the age of 41 after reportedly collapsing on a beach in Spain earlier this week.

The news was confirmed by Spain’s national union of actors and actresses, which issued a statement saying, “Actor Julián Ortega dies at the age of 41. Rest in peace. Our most sincere condolences to the actor’s family and friends.”

While the exact cause of Ortega’s death has not been confirmed, it is speculated that he may have suffered a heart attack while on Zahora Beach in Barbate, Province of Cádiz. Some reports from Spanish outlets, including ‘Diario De Sevilla,’ suggest that he might have drowned, as a man was pulled from the water on Sunday with symptoms of drowning.

Ortega, originally from Madrid, gained recognition among UK audiences for his role in ‘Elite,’ where he appeared in six episodes as the manager of La Caba, a beer and burger joint. He also starred in other shows such as Amazon Prime’s ‘Caronte’ (2020), ‘Nunc Et in Hora’ (2010), and Spanish series ‘Velvet’ (2014) and ‘Cristo y Rey’ (2023), also known as ‘Untameable.’

Tributes have been flooding in from his former co-stars and fans, with many praising his talent and character.

Spanish actor Fernando Tejero expressed his grief, writing, “I am broken with pain, dear colleague… what a great actor and what a beautiful person you are, Julian Ortega… fly high, hugs to your father and mother.”

Spanish actress Sílvia Marsó also paid tribute, saying, “Today the profession loses an exceptional colleague, an incredible actor, and an unforgettable human being. A big, big hug to your parents. Always in our hearts, dear Julian.”