Only Fools And Horses and Miami Vice star dies aged 78 after suffering from a ‘long and painful illness’

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By REBECCA LAWRENCE FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 09:28 BST, 14 April 2025 | Updated: 09:28 BST, 14 April 2025

Mario Ernesto Sánchez has died aged 78 after suffering from a ‘long and painful illness’. 

The Cuban actor passed away on Monday morning, his assistant confirmed. 

A statement to South Florida newspaper, Diario Las Américas, read: ‘Mario Ernesto Sánchez died today at 3:03 am as a result of a long and painful illness.’

The actor was known for starring in Miami Vice in a recurring limo driver role and also appeared in the Only Fools And Horses Christmas special. 

His most recent role came in 2022, in TV series Jammerz. Prior that he starred in the HBO remake of the hit movie, Father of the Bride. 

Born in San Antonio de las Vegas, Mario moved to United States aged 15 and later took up a career in acting. 

Mario Ernesto Sánchez has died aged 78 after suffering from a ‘long and painful illness’. The Cuban actor passed away on Monday morning, his assistant confirmed.

Stars rushed to pay tribute on social media. 

Ramón A. Sánchez penned: ‘A glory of Cuba and the theater has left us: Mario Ernesto Sánchez. He is already with Lorca, Molière, Euripides and many more greats of the theater. Rest in peace Chachito and thank you very much for your legacy.’

Actress Verónica Abruza added: ‘Sad news. Goodbye Mario Ernesto Sánchez. My condolences to his beloved children, family and friends. I will always remember how kind you were upon my arrival in Miami; your attention, your chivalry.

‘May your soul unite with the source of light and love.’ Miami Art Promotion issued a statement following the sad news: ‘The outstanding actor and director of Cuban origin Mario Ernesto Sánchez dies in Miami.

‘His tireless work in the Cuban exile theater, since his early arrival in the United States, has earned him the valuable work of Teatro Avante, a group he founded, as well as the Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival, with almost 40 years of experience.

‘Peace to his remains and condolences to his loved ones and friends. It also serves as a well-deserved tribute to his extensive career.’

The actor was known for starring in Miami Vice (pictured) in a recurring limo driver role and also appeared in the Only Fools And Horses Christmas special

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Only Fools And Horses and Miami Vice star dies aged 78 after suffering from a ‘long and painful illness’

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