Mexican actor Andrés García dies at 81

The actor, who was famous for starring in 'El Privilegio de Amar,' died this Tuesday from cirrhosis, which he was diagnosed with in 2022.

El intérprete mexicodominicano Andrés García, durante una escena de — (Cordon Press).

Published by

Rosana Rábago Sainz

{"lang":"en","firstPublishedAt":"2023-04-05T13:33:12.000Z"}

Topics:

Mexican-Dominican actor Andrés Garcia passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81. The actor who was famous for starring in El privilegio de amar, died on the afternoon of April 4 from cirrhosis, which he was diagnosed with in 2022. His wife, Margarita Portillo, broke the news on Garcia's Instagram profile:

With a pain that I did not know could be felt in my soul, I want to inform the public that always followed and loved my husband, family and friends, as well as the media, that my husband, Andrés Garcia, the love of my loves, is resting at the side of our Lord Jesus. Andrés received a transfusion on Sunday, April 2, at St. Lucia Hospital. That same Sunday we returned home but his little body was already very tired. He received last rites on Monday, April 3, with me by his side as well as my sister and his nurse. I stayed by his side taking care of him and loving him until his last breath. He went peacefully and in a way that I thank God for. Andres left this earthly plane at 3:07 pm. His body will be kept vigil in this, his home, starting tomorrow April 5, at 9:00 a.m., at Urracas Street No. 20, Fraccionamiento Costa Brava, in the city and port of Acapulco. Margarita Portillo, Widow of García.

Andrés García was born in the Dominican Republic in 1941 and moved to Mexico a few years later. Known for his roles on the big and small screen, he began his acting career in 1967. That year he appeared in the film Chanoc. From that moment on, he began a career that led him to roles in films and series such as El privilegio del amor, Hospital Central, Cuéntame Cómo Pasó and Cyclone, among others.

He belonged to the National Actors Association (ANDA, the acronym in Spanish), a Mexican actors union that was quick to react to the news of García's passing in a tweet:

The National Actors Association deeply regrets the death of our colleague Andrés García. Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.

He was also a member of the Mexican National Interpreter Association. The organization, as well as ANDA, posted a message with its condolences after learning of the death of the performer whom, they say, they will remember especially for his role in Pedro Navaja:

ANDI Mexico announces the death of Andrés García, partner and performer. Actor with a great career in theater, film and television. He is remembered for his emblematic role as "Pedro Navaja" in the movie of the same name. We send our condolences to his family and friends.

Diagnosed with cirrhosis in 2022

The news of his death, while shocking the Hispanic world, comes as no surprise. The actor suffered from cirrhosis, a disease that mainly affects the liver. His wife said last Saturday in a YouTube video that his health had worsened in recent days:

Unfortunately his hemoglobin and platelets are very low and the doctor said "his liver is defending itself like a cat on its belly, which were not the best results but not the worst either." The hemoglobin situation is serious because it is very low. As early as last night I started contacting the people who have always helped me and we have been at it ever since.

Video with audio in Spanish

Andres Garcia announced his diagnosis in July 2022. He did so, CNN recalls, on the program De Primera Mano (Imagen Televisión). There, the actor explained that he was suffering from cirrhosis. In addition, he said, the disease also affected his other motor skills and he had difficulty walking as well as problems with his short term memory.