Julian Ortega, Spanish Actor from Netflix’s ‘Elite’ and Son of Actress Gloria Muñoz, Dies at Age 41 in Madrid
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
5 minutes read. Updated 10:13AM GMT Sun, 1September, 2024
Julian Ortega, a beloved Spanish actor known for his role in the hit Netflix series “Elite,” has passed away at the age of 41, as confirmed by Spain’s actors and actresses’ union. The announcement, which was made on Monday, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Ortega’s family and friends.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the union stated, reflecting the widespread grief within the Spanish entertainment industry.
Born in Madrid in 1983, Ortega was the son of esteemed Spanish actress Gloria Muñoz. His passion for the arts led him to study at a prestigious drama school in the Spanish capital, laying the foundation for a prolific career that spanned over two decades. Ortega made his screen debut in the 2000 drama “El Otro Barrio” (“The Other Side”) and further showcased his versatility in the 2008 horror fantasy “La raíz del mal.”
Ortega’s talent and charisma saw him flourish on Spanish television, culminating in his international breakthrough on Netflix’s “Elite,” where he portrayed a restaurant manager entangled in the series’ web of murder, mystery, and the turbulent lives of affluent private school students. He appeared in six episodes of the show, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
In recent years, Ortega continued to grace the small screen with roles in drama series such as “The Countryside” (originally titled “El Pueblo”) and “4 estrellas.” His performance in “The Countryside” was particularly memorable, prompting co-star Ruth Diaz to honor him in a heartfelt Instagram post: “You were a great man, humble, always smiling, generous, thoughtful… such a good colleague… Thank you, for everything. How good to share those months on El Pueblo and to have been able to get to know you a little bit. You have gone too soon.”
Beyond television, Ortega was also active in theater. In 2021, he both wrote and starred in the play “Ira,” performing alongside his mother, which further highlighted his multifaceted talent and deep connection to the Spanish cultural scene.
As of now, the cause of Ortega’s death has not been publicly disclosed. His passing leaves a significant void in the entertainment industry, with colleagues and fans alike mourning the loss of a talented actor who brought warmth and authenticity to every role he embraced.
