Only Fools and Horses star dies aged 78 as actor’s assistant issues heartbreaking statement
Actor Mario Ernesto Sánchez has died at the age of 78 following a “long and painful illness”.
The star passed away at approximately 3:30am, according to a statement from his assistant.
The news was confirmed to South Florida newspaper Diario Las Américas.
Sánchez was best known to British audiences for his role as a Colombian drug lord in the classic sitcom “Only Fools and Horses”.
The Only Fools and Horses Podcast are sorry to hear the news of the recent passing of Mario Ernesto Sanchez who played Alberto Vasquez in “Miami Twice”, our thoughts are with his family & friends pic.twitter.com/iOp9sexm6m
— OnlyFoolsandHorsesPodcast (@podonlyfools) April 13, 2025
He appeared in the two-part Christmas special titled “Miami Twice”.
The actor had a lengthy career spanning both television and theatre, with significant contributions to Hispanic performing arts.
Sánchez also starred in the popular series “Miami Vice” as a recurring limo driver.
He later took on a different background role in the 2006 film adaptation of “Miami Vice”.
His other notable acting credits included appearances in “Invasion U.S.A.” and “The Specialist”.
Throughout his career, Sánchez balanced his screen work with his passion for theatre.
He was particularly dedicated to promoting Hispanic performing arts in the United States.
His work spanned decades and earned him recognition from both the film and theatre communities.
Tributes have poured in following the sad news of Sánchez’s passing.
Ramón A. Sánchez said: “A glory of Cuba and the theater has left us: Mario Ernesto Sánchez. He is already with Lorca, Molière, Euripides and many more greats of the theater. Rest in peace Chachito and thank you very much for your legacy.”
Actress Verónica Abruza added: “Sad news. Goodbye Mario Ernesto Sánchez. My condolences to his beloved children, family and friends.”
Miami Art Promotion issued a statement praising his “tireless work in the Cuban exile theater” and noting his “valuable work of Teatro Avante, a group he founded.”
The organisation also highlighted his role in creating the Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival.
Sánchez was born in 1947 in San Antonio de las Vegas, Cuba.
He moved to the United States when he was just 15 years old during Operation Pedro Pan.
In 1979, he founded Teatro Avante in Florida, establishing what would become a cornerstone of Hispanic theatre in the region.
His dedication to promoting Hispanic performing arts spanned nearly four decades.
In 2014, Sánchez received the prestigious Legacy Award in Los Angeles.
The honour recognised “outstanding individuals whose lifelong commitment to Latino Theater in the United States and Latin America will have a lasting impact on the field”.
His cultural contributions have left an enduring mark on Hispanic theatre across the Americas.