“Narcos: Mexico” actor Gerardo Taracena has died at the age of 55.
The Mexican Academy of Film Art and Sciences confirmed Taracena’s death on Sunday, honoring him as a vital force in Mexican cinema. In a statement shared on Instagram, the organization praised Taracena as a “fundamental actor” whose performances left an “intense, honest and profoundly human” impression on screen, according to the New York Post.
Taracena was best known for his portrayal of drug trafficker Pablo Acosta in Netflix’s hit series “Narcos: Mexico.”
A follow-up to “Narcos,” the show chronicled the rise of Mexico’s notorious Guadalajara Cartel during the 1980s and ran for three seasons between 2018 and 2021.
The ensemble cast also featured Michael Peña, Diego Luna, Tenoch Huerta, Alyssa Diaz, Joaquín Cosío, Alejandro Edda and Matt Letscher.
According to Marca, Gerardo Taracena’s official cause of death has not yet been disclosed, sparking widespread questions and speculation among fans following the news of his passing. While many have sought clarity about what led to the actor’s death, neither authorities nor Taracena’s family have released any official details regarding the circumstances.
Taracena’s death has sent shockwaves through the film and television industry, given his long and celebrated career. He appeared in several popular productions, including Apocalypto, El violin, and Queen of the South, earning a reputation for powerful, emotionally driven performances.
One of his most notable roles came in Apocalypto (2006), directed by Mel Gibson, which helped cement his status as a formidable presence in international cinema. Over the course of his career, Taracena was nominated three times for the prestigious Ariel Award, Mexico’s highest honor in film — a testament to the impact and consistency of his work.
Taracena’s film credits also included El violin, Saving Private Perez, Sound of Freedom and Surviving My Quinceañera. On television, he appeared in series such as Queen of the South and Pedal to Metal, further showcasing his range across both film and episodic storytelling.
Most recently, in 2024, Taracena appeared in several episodes of the Amazon Prime Video series Cometierra. According to IMDb, he remained actively involved in the industry at the time of his death, with two projects in post-production and two more in development.
The actor’s continued workload and creative momentum suggested he was in good health, making news of his sudden death all the more shocking to fans and colleagues alike.
