The Tragic Cause Of Death Of Kamar De Los Reyes: A Secret Battle While Filming Marvel's Daredevil

The entertainment world was stunned in late 2023 by the sudden passing of beloved actor Kamar de los Reyes, best known for his iconic roles as Antonio Vega on the long-running soap opera One Life to Live and the villainous Raul Menendez in the Call of Duty video game franchise. As of today, December 18, 2025, details confirm that the actor's death was the result of a private and incredibly brief health struggle, a fact that has only amplified the shock and sadness among his fans and peers. The actor, who was 56, passed away on Christmas Eve, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and a final, poignant secret about his last days of work.

The tragic news revealed a quiet, courageous fight that the actor had chosen to keep private. He was actively working on major projects right up until his death, including a highly anticipated role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a testament to his dedication and professionalism despite his severe health challenges. His passing marks a significant loss for both television and the gaming industry.

Kamar de los Reyes: A Life and Career Profile

Kamar de los Reyes was a celebrated Puerto Rican actor whose career spanned theater, film, television, and video games. His ability to portray complex characters, from a sympathetic lawyer to a ruthless terrorist, cemented his status as a versatile and memorable performer.

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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
• Spouse: Sherri Saum (Married 2007)
• Children: Three sons, including twin boys born in 2014
• Breakthrough Role: Antonio Vega on One Life to Live (1995–1998, 2000–2007, 2009–2010)
• Most Notorious Role: Raul Menendez in the Call of Duty video game series, beginning with Black Ops II (2012)
• Other Notable Roles: Coach Montes on All American, Comandante Salas on SEAL Team, Julio Martinez on The Passage, Ryan Caradine on The Rookie, and an upcoming role in Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again.
• Early Career: Started in the 1988 musical film Salsa and the stage production of The Public Theater’s Blade to the Heat, where he played a gay boxer.

The Official Cause of Death: A Brief Battle with Cancer

The official cause of death for Kamar de los Reyes was complications arising from cancer. A publicist for his wife, actress Sherri Saum, confirmed that he passed away in Los Angeles on December 24, 2023, after what was described as a "brief battle with cancer."

The Specific Diagnosis: Pancreatic Cancer

While initial reports were general, subsequent details revealed that Kamar de los Reyes was specifically battling pancreatic cancer. This form of cancer is notoriously aggressive and often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which aligns with the description of his struggle as a "brief battle." The speed of the illness’s progression was a major factor in the shock felt by the public, as the actor had been working and maintaining an active public presence just prior to his death.

The family's decision to keep his diagnosis private meant that the news of his death was the first time many fans and colleagues learned he was ill. This private fight, however, showcased the immense strength and dedication of the actor, who chose to focus on his work and family rather than publicly disclose his health crisis.

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The Untold Story: Filming Marvel's Daredevil While Ill

One of the most compelling and tragic details surrounding Kamar de los Reyes' final months is his commitment to his craft. It was revealed that he had been filming scenes for the highly anticipated Marvel series, Daredevil: Born Again, while simultaneously undergoing his cancer treatment.

A Courageous and Private Struggle

Sources close to the production and his family indicated that Kamar de los Reyes worked through significant pain and discomfort to complete his role. This act of dedication drew comparisons to the late Chadwick Boseman, who also kept his own cancer battle a secret while filming major Hollywood blockbusters. De los Reyes' decision to keep his illness private allowed him to maintain a sense of normalcy and focus on his professional commitments, ensuring that his personal health struggles did not overshadow his work.

His role in Daredevil: Born Again is now considered one of his final on-screen performances, a poignant farewell to his fans and a testament to his professionalism. The series is set to air in 2025, making his appearance a bittersweet moment for viewers eagerly awaiting his final performance.

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The Legacy of Kamar de los Reyes: Antonio Vega and Raul Menendez

Kamar de los Reyes' professional legacy is anchored by two vastly different yet equally impactful roles: the heroic Antonio Vega and the globally infamous villain, Raul Menendez.

The Soap Opera Icon: Antonio Vega

From 1995 to 2010, de los Reyes became a household name playing Antonio Vega on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. His character was a complex former gang member who turned his life around to become a lawyer and a community pillar. The role was groundbreaking, bringing a nuanced portrayal of a Latino character to daytime television and earning him a dedicated fan following.

The Video Game Villain: Raul Menendez

In a sharp pivot, de los Reyes captivated a new generation of fans by voicing and providing motion capture for the primary antagonist, Raul Menendez, in 2012's Call of Duty: Black Ops II. Menendez is widely regarded as one of the most compelling and popular villains in the history of the franchise, a calculating terrorist with a tragic backstory. De los Reyes reprised the role in subsequent titles, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and Call of Duty: Vanguard, solidifying his place in video game history.

His ability to seamlessly transition between these two worlds—daytime drama and blockbuster video games—underscores his incredible range as an actor. While his life was cut tragically short, the body of work he left behind, from his earliest stage roles to his final appearance in the MCU, ensures that the legacy of Kamar de los Reyes will endure for years to come.