The Unexpected Loss Of A Legend: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Kamar De Los Reyes’ Final Days

The entertainment world was left in shock on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, with the untimely passing of beloved actor Kamar de los Reyes. At just 56 years old, the Puerto Rican star, known for his powerful performances across television, film, and video games, succumbed to a brief but fierce battle with cancer. This article, updated in late 2025, delves into the lasting legacy of the man who brought the complex Antonio Vega to life on One Life to Live and voiced one of gaming’s most iconic villains, Raul Menendez, while also revealing poignant details about his final, courageous months.

Kamar de los Reyes's death marks a profound loss for fans of the daytime series, the Call of Duty franchise, and his more recent primetime work. His ability to inhabit deeply layered characters, from the reformed gang member-turned-lawyer to the charismatic, vengeful antagonist, cemented his status as a versatile and unforgettable performer. The following details explore the life, career, and final, inspiring chapter of the late actor.

Kamar de los Reyes: A Complete Biography and Profile

Kamar de los Reyes was a celebrated actor whose career spanned over three decades, marked by a dynamic range of roles that showcased his versatility and intensity. His personal and professional life was a testament to his dedication to his craft and his family.

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• Full Name: Kamar de los Reyes
• Date of Birth: November 8, 1967
• Place of Birth: San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Date of Death: December 24, 2023
• Age at Death: 56
• Cause of Death: Cancer (following a brief battle)
• Father: Walfredo de los Reyes (a renowned drummer and percussionist)
• Wife: Sherri Saum (actress, married in 2007)
• Children: Three sons—Caylen (from a previous relationship), and twins John and Michael (with Sherri Saum, born in 2014)
• Key Roles: Antonio Vega on One Life to Live (1995–1998, 2000–2009, 2012), Raul Menendez in Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
• Notable Projects: The Rookie, All American, Sleepy Hollow, and a final role in the upcoming Marvel series Daredevil: Born Again

The Two Iconic Roles That Defined Kamar de los Reyes's Legacy

While his career was rich with diverse roles, two characters stand out as cultural touchstones, demonstrating his extraordinary range: the daytime hero and the video game villain.

Antonio Vega: The Heart of Llanview

Kamar de los Reyes first rose to widespread prominence in 1995 as Antonio Vega on the ABC daytime series One Life to Live. His portrayal of Antonio, a former gang member who turns his life around to become a lawyer and later a police officer, captivated audiences for over a decade. The character's journey was complex, dealing with themes of redemption, justice, and passionate romance, often opposite his future real-life wife, actress Sherri Saum, who played Keri Reynolds. De los Reyes's performance brought a powerful intensity and vulnerability to the role, making Antonio Vega one of the most memorable characters in the history of the soap opera genre.

Raul Menendez: Gaming's Most Compelling Villain

In a surprising and brilliant career pivot, de los Reyes lent his voice and motion capture performance to the character Raul Menendez in the 2012 video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Menendez is widely regarded by fans and critics as one of the best-written and most compelling antagonists in the history of the entire Call of Duty franchise. The actor’s intense delivery and charismatic menace brought a chilling depth to the Nicaraguan narco-terrorist, transforming what could have been a standard villain into a figure of global, revolutionary vengeance. This role introduced him to a new generation of fans and solidified his status as a versatile performer across all media platforms.

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5 Poignant Details About Kamar de los Reyes's Final Days and Career

The news of Kamar de los Reyes's death resonated deeply because it was so sudden and unexpected. The following details shed light on his final, courageous months and the projects he was still working on.

1. He Filmed a Major Marvel Role While Battling Cancer

In a testament to his dedication, Kamar de los Reyes had filmed a role in the highly anticipated Marvel series Daredevil: Born Again before his passing. Reports indicate that he was already dealing with his illness while on set. This final, major primetime role—a significant entity in his career—will serve as a powerful posthumous performance, showcasing his talent one last time on a global stage.

2. The Cause of Death Was a 'Brief Battle with Cancer'

Unlike many long-term illnesses, the actor’s death followed a "brief battle with cancer," suggesting a rapid and aggressive progression of the disease. This suddenness is why the news was such a shock to his colleagues and his extensive fanbase, who had only recently seen him in recurring roles on shows like The Rookie and All American.

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3. His Wife, Sherri Saum, Was by His Side

Kamar de los Reyes passed away in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, actress Sherri Saum, known for her role in The Fosters, and their three sons: Caylen, John, and Michael. The couple’s relationship was a celebrated partnership in Hollywood, often sharing the screen, including their time together on One Life to Live.

4. He Was a Proud Puerto Rican and Las Vegas Native

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, de los Reyes was raised in Las Vegas, embodying a unique blend of cultural influences. He began his acting career on the New York stage, notably in the Public Theatre's staging of the play Blade to the Heat in 1994, before transitioning to the screen. His heritage and roots were an important part of his public identity and the characters he chose to portray.

5. His Voice Continues to Resonate in the Gaming World

Even years after its release, his performance as Raul Menendez in Call of Duty: Black Ops II remains a central topic in the gaming community. Fans frequently cite his portrayal as the gold standard for video game antagonists, an honor that speaks volumes about his commitment to the role and the power of his voice work. His legacy extends beyond the traditional acting sphere, cementing him as a multi-platform star.

Kamar de los Reyes’s journey—from the New York stage to daytime television, and then to a global video game franchise and the Marvel Universe—is a powerful testament to his talent and hard work. The outpouring of tributes from the industry following the announcement by his publicist, Lisa Goldberg, on Christmas Eve 2023, highlighted not only his professional achievements but also his kindness and warmth as a husband, father, and colleague. Though his time was cut short at age 56, the profound impact of Antonio Vega and Raul Menendez ensures that his performances will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.