gerardo taracena in Apocalypto
Gerardo Taracena, a versatile and internationally recognized actor whose career spanned more than three decades, has died at the age of 55, the National Association of Actors (ANDA) announced on social media. His death on January 31, 2026 has prompted an outpouring of grief across the Mexican entertainment community and beyond.
Taracena first rose to global prominence with his performance as Ojo Medio in Mel Gibson’s 2006 historical epic Apocalypto, a role that showcased his dynamic screen presence and helped him break into major Hollywood productions. Over his career, he appeared in a range of films and television series, including Man on Fire, The Mexican and the Netflix hit Narcos: México, where he portrayed the notorious Pablo Acosta Villarreal.
Born on March 27, 1970, in Mexico City, Taracena trained in dramatic arts at the Centro Universitario de Teatro of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), laying the foundation for a richly varied career that extended beyond cinema into television, theatre and dance.
“Gerardo Taracena was one of the most respected performers of his generation,” ANDA said in its announcement, expressing condolences to his family, friends and the broader artistic community. The guild’s message was widely shared on social platforms, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to the actor’s talent and legacy.
Taracena’s body of work included acclaimed Mexican films such as El violín and ¿Qué culpa tiene el niño?, as well as his portrayal of compelling characters in internationally distributed series like La Reina del Sur and El Señor de los Cielos. In 2025, he appeared in Celda 211, a series that dramatizes the complex realities of prison life in Mexico.
His craft earned him recognition within the industry, including a Premio Ariel for Best Supporting Actor for his work in El violín, one of Mexico’s most prestigious film awards.
Taracena was also known for his contributions to theatre and dance, where he demonstrated a range of artistic talents that expanded his influence beyond screen roles. His career reflected a commitment to storytelling in multiple forms, resonating with audiences in Mexico and internationally.
Details surrounding the cause of his death have not yet been publicly disclosed, and family representatives have requested privacy as friends, fans and colleagues mourn the loss of a beloved artist.
