Kamar De Los Reyes: The 5 Most Iconic Roles Of The 'Call Of Duty' And 'One Life To Live' Star Who Died At 56

The entertainment world mourned the loss of a multi-talented star on December 24, 2023, when Puerto Rican-American actor Kamar de los Reyes passed away at the age of 56. His death, confirmed by a publicist for his wife, actress Sherri Saum, followed a brief but valiant battle with cancer. De los Reyes left behind a powerful, two-decade-long legacy spanning daytime television, blockbuster video games, and prime-time dramas, making his sudden death a profound shock to fans across multiple genres. The actor was in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family and friends, when he passed on Christmas Eve. Tributes poured in from former co-stars and colleagues, highlighting his incredible talent, warmth, and the dynamic range he brought to every role, from the heroic to the intensely villainous. His final projects, including a highly anticipated role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ensure his presence will continue to be felt on screen for years to come.

Kamar de los Reyes: A Complete Biography and Profile

Kamar de los Reyes was a celebrated actor whose career bridged the gap between traditional television and modern interactive entertainment. His life story is a testament to the power of a versatile career in Hollywood.

• Full Name: Kamar de los Reyes
• Born: November 8, 1967, in San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Died: December 24, 2023, in Los Angeles, California
• Age at Death: 56
• Cause of Death: Cancer (following a brief battle)
• Nationality: Puerto Rican-American
• Hometown: Raised in Las Vegas, Nevada
• Spouse: Sherri Saum (actress, married since 2007)
• Children: Three sons: Caylen (from a previous relationship) and twin sons John and Michael (with Sherri Saum, born 2014)
• Notable Roles: Antonio Vega in *One Life to Live*, Raul Menendez in the *Call of Duty* video game franchise.
• Theater Breakthrough: Starred in the 1994 New York City Public Theatre staging of Shakespeare's *Cymbeline*.

The Enduring Legacy of Antonio Vega on 'One Life to Live'

For millions of viewers, Kamar de los Reyes was synonymous with the character of Antonio Vega, the complex, charismatic, and often troubled former gang member turned lawyer on the ABC daytime drama *One Life to Live*. De los Reyes first took on the role of Antonio Vega in 1995. The character's journey was one of redemption, a narrative arc that resonated deeply with the show's loyal audience. Antonio’s relationship with Jessica Buchanan was a cornerstone of the show's later years, cementing his status as a daytime heartthrob and a pivotal figure in the fictional town of Llanview. He remained a fixture on the soap opera until 2009, making a brief return for the show's short-lived online revival in 2013. His long tenure earned him numerous accolades and a dedicated fanbase, proving his ability to bring sincerity and depth to a character over many years. His co-stars, including Michael Easton, who played John McBain, paid emotional tributes, with Easton describing him as a "fallen friend" at a cancer benefit months after his passing.

From Daytime Hero to Global Video Game Villain: Raul Menendez

Perhaps the most surprising and globally recognized role of Kamar de los Reyes's career came not on television, but in the world of video games. In 2012, he was cast as Raul Menendez, the primary antagonist of *Call of Duty: Black Ops II*. Menendez, a Nicaraguan arms dealer and terrorist, was a uniquely compelling villain. De los Reyes provided both the voice acting and the motion-capture performance for the character, lending him a chilling, personal intensity that elevated the role far beyond a typical video game antagonist. The character became one of the most memorable villains in the history of the *Call of Duty* franchise, often cited by fans as a high-water mark for the series' storytelling. De los Reyes reprised the role in subsequent titles, including *Call of Duty: Black Ops 4* (2018) and *Call of Duty: Vanguard* (2021), solidifying his unexpected but powerful presence in the gaming community.

Kamar de los Reyes's Final Act: The Upcoming Marvel Series 'Daredevil: Born Again'

At the time of his death, Kamar de los Reyes was actively working on major projects, a testament to his vibrant and ongoing career. He had filmed a significant role in the upcoming Marvel series, *Daredevil: Born Again*. In the Disney+ series, he was set to play a character named Hector Ayala, also known in Marvel Comics lore as the superhero White Tiger. While details about the scale of his role remain tightly guarded by Marvel Studios, it was one of the most anticipated projects of his career. His passing means that *Daredevil: Born Again* will feature one of his final on-screen performances. The studio and his co-stars are expected to honor his memory in the show, providing a touching, final tribute to the actor's work. This role highlights his late-career resurgence and his ability to transition seamlessly between different media, from soap operas to AAA video games and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A Versatile Career Across Prime-Time Television

While Antonio Vega and Raul Menendez remain his most famous characters, Kamar de los Reyes was a consistent presence across prime-time television, showcasing his incredible versatility. His roles demonstrated his ability to play authority figures, complex mentors, and intense criminals. His credits include:

• *SEAL Team* (2018): Playing Comandante Salas, a role that drew on his ability to portray powerful military figures.
• *The Passage* (2019): Where he played Julio Martinez in the Fox series.
• *The Rookie* (2021): Appearing as Ryan Caradine in the popular ABC procedural.
• *All American* (2022-2023): His recent recurring role as Coach Montes, a character that allowed him to explore a different kind of authority figure in a high school sports setting. His co-star Cody Christian, who plays Asher Adams, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, mourning the loss of his "incredible" colleague.
• *Sleepy Hollow*: A guest role in the supernatural drama.

These roles, coupled with his earlier work in films like *Amelia 2.0* and the stage production of *Cymbeline* at New York's Public Theatre, paint a picture of an actor who was constantly challenging himself and expanding his artistic boundaries. Kamar de los Reyes's death at 56 is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, but his legacy, defined by his powerful performances and memorable characters, will undoubtedly endure.