How Did Elite Star Julián Ortega Die?

Spanish actor Julián Ortega is popularly known for his work on Netflix’s popular and successful Spanish series Elite. The actor has appeared as the manager of the restaurant La Cabaña in six episodes of the show in 2018, and his other acting credits include a crime drama titled Caronte that premiered on Amazon Prime Video. He has also been a part of projects including 4 estrellas, The Countryside, Untamebale, and La sue se avencina.

Both critics and the audience appreciated Ortega’s work. His parents are also well-known actors Gloria Munoz and Jose Antonio Ortega. Julián Ortega, who was 41 years old, has unfortunately passed away reportedly after he collapsed on Zahora Beach in Spain.

Elite star Julián Ortega dies at the age of 41 after sudden cardiac arrest

According to the Spanish outlet, The Olive Press, Elite star Julián Ortega collapsed around 5:30 PM and went into cardiac arrest at the Playa de Zahora beach in Cádiz, Spain. The publication mentioned that initially it was reported that the actor had drowned by emergency, and lifeguard services clarified that he was at the shore when he suffered the cardiac arrest.

The paramedics spent up to half an hour trying their best to revive the actor, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The publication stated that the emergency workers were quick to respond and had access to a defibrillator but were unfortunately not able to save Julián Ortega.

According to ABC Spain, witnesses who were at the beach called 112 at around 5:30 PM to report that a man had been pulled out of the water on the beach with symptoms of drowning. However, it was later clarified that the actor was at the shore when he suffered the cardiac arrest.

The Spanish Union of Actors and Actresses shared a statement on Monday, i.e., 26th August, and published an obituary in his honor.

Our deepest condolences to his family and friends from the Union of Actors and Actresses. Rest in Peace.

According to his obituary, Ortega was a graduate of Madrid’s Real Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático. It also noted that apart from his successful television career, the actor was a prolific theater actor who had starred in multiple stage productions, including Bicycles Are for the Summer, M. Ibrahim, and the Flowers of the Koran.

Condolence messages poured in for Julián Ortega

Actress Sílvia Marsó took to her social media to remember the actor by sharing a picture of the two. She wrote that she couldn’t even imagine how his parents, colleagues, and beloved ones in the profession must be feeling. Raquel Guerrero also took to her social media to remember the actor by mentioning that it was a pleasure to have been able to work with the now-late actor.

Guerrero mentioned that she is grateful that she got to enjoy his education, humility, and work. Helena Lanza described the actor as an empathetic, kind, generous, intelligent, and talented human being on her social media. She stated she enjoyed watching him on stage and how she loved sharing plans with him. The actress mentioned that she would always remember him.

Spanish actor Fernando Tejero wrote,

I am broken with pain, dear colleague. What a great actor and what a beautiful person you are, Julián Ortega… Fly high. Hugs to your father and mother.

Actor Paco Collado, who portrayed the character of Julián Ortega’s father in The Countryside, posted on his X account that he’s left everyone with sympathy, generosity, and professionalism. He added many hugs to his friend and also to his family, a real shame in the prime of his youth.

Ortega’s family has not yet commented on the situation. We extend our deepest condolences to Julián Ortega and his family and friends.

Elite’s eighth and final season recently premiered on Netflix. The show is mainly centered on the trials and tribulations of the protagonists, exploring the themes of homosexuality, classism, parental neglect, and substance abuse.

Elite is available to stream on Netflix.