Spanish Actor Julian Ortega Dies at 41
Julian Ortega, a Spanish actor widely recognized for his role in the Netflix drama series “Elite,” has passed away at the age of 41, according to a statement from the country’s actors and actresses union.
In a heartfelt tribute, the union expressed its sorrow, stating, “Our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” in an announcement made on Monday.
Ortega, the son of esteemed Spanish actress Gloria Muñoz, was born in Madrid in 1983 and pursued his education at drama school in the capital. He began his more than two-decade-long screen career featuring in Spanish-language films, including the 2000 drama “El Otro Barrio” (“The Other Side”) and the 2008 horror fantasy “La raíz del mal.”
Prior to his rise to international fame, Ortega appeared in several Spanish television series, but gained significant recognition for his performance in six episodes of Netflix’s “Elite.” In the series, he portrayed a restaurant manager in a gripping murder-mystery drama that revolves around affluent students at a private school.
In recent years, Ortega had roles in other drama series including “The Countryside” (originally titled “El Pueblo”) and “4 estrellas.” His co-star from “The Countryside,” Ruth Diaz, honored him on Instagram, writing, “You were a great man, humble, always smiling, generous, thoughtful… such a good colleague… Thank you, for everything.” She further reflected on their time together, saying, “How good to share those months on El pueblo and to have been able to get to know you a little bit. You have gone too soon.”
Ortega was also involved in theater, having written and starred in the 2021 play “Ira” alongside his mother, as noted by the Spanish Theatre in Madrid.
As of now, the cause of Ortega’s death remains unannounced.
