Los Angeles, California — The bright lights of two American television giants—NBC and CBS—seem to have dimmed a little today. Millions of loyal viewers are reeling in shock and profound grief following sudden, heartbreaking news: Francisco San Martin, the handsome actor who captured hearts on the hit soap operas Days of Our Lives (NBC) and The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS), has died at the age of 39.
His passing has dealt a heavy blow to Hollywood, shattering the quiet illusion that fame and success can shield someone from hidden pain. According to a report confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, San Martin passed away at his home on Thursday, January 16. The most devastating and grim reality: the official cause of death has been ruled a suicide by "ligature hanging."
Francisco San Martin's life was a long journey driven by a deep passion for the arts. Born on the beautiful Spanish island of Mallorca, he was raised in the U.S. state of Montana. His love for the spotlight first blossomed during his roles in local children's theater productions. Entering his teenage years, he and his family returned to Spain, where he utilized his striking looks to work as a model while honing his craft in acting classes. After cutting his teeth in stage, television, and film productions in his home country, he decided to return to the U.S. to chase his big break.
And that break arrived on NBC. Millions of American viewers began to recognize Francisco when he took on the role of Dario Hernandez in the iconic soap Days of Our Lives between 2010 and 2011. His character was introduced mysteriously under the guise of a thief, but was later revealed to be secretly investigating a cold case. Although the role of Dario was recast with actor Jordi Vilasuso in 2016–2017, Francisco’s charming portrayal remained deeply etched in the minds of NBC viewers.
He didn't stop there; he went on to win over CBS audiences as well. In 2017, he appeared in seven episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful, playing the estate manager Mateo. Audiences also saw him shine on the screen alongside legends Michael Douglas and Matt Damon in Behind the Candelabra (2013), and acting opposite Gina Rodriguez in The CW's hit series Jane the Virgin (2017). His most recent credited role was in the 2022 short film Dot.
As soon as the tragic news broke, social media was flooded with tearful tributes. To his colleagues, Francisco was far more than just a face that brought in ratings; he was a generous, driven, and incredibly warm artist.
Actress Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi on Days of Our Lives, shared her immense heartbreak on her Instagram Story: "Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more."
Many still cannot fathom this bitter reality, as they had just recently seen a vibrant and healthy Francisco. Journalist Michael Fairman expressed his shock on X: "Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day."
At 39, an age when there is still so much of life left to live, the NBC and CBS star chose to close the curtain on his journey. The artistic legacy he leaves behind will live on, but his death also reopens an urgent, heartbreaking conversation: Behind radiant smiles and a thriving television career, there must always be room for honesty, compassion, and mental health support.
We send our deepest condolences to his family, and pray that Francisco has finally found the true peace he could not find under the glaring spotlight.
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