Mexican actor Gerardo Taracena has died at 55, the Mexican Academy of Film Arts and Sciences confirmed. In a tribute, the Academy called him a “fundamental actor in Mexican cinema” whose screen presence was “intense, honest, and profoundly human.”
Taracena was widely recognized for portraying Pablo Acosta in Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico, a role that brought him international attention. Film fans also remember him from Apocalypto, the epic set during the decline of the Mayan civilization.
Across film and television, Taracena built a career defined by expressive performances and dedication to his craft. His credits included El Violin, Saving Private Perez, Queen of the South, and several recent streaming projects. He was also a three-time Ariel Award nominee, one of Mexico’s highest film honors.
In past interviews, Taracena spoke about fully immersing himself in roles – even undergoing physical transformations when needed – reflecting the commitment that defined his career.
He had multiple projects in development at the time of his passing. Taracena leaves behind a powerful body of work that will continue to resonate with audiences in Mexico and beyond.