Juan Pelaez Dies: Mexican Telenovela Actor Dead At 64 From Cancer

Juan Peláez, a regular actor on many Mexican soap operas, passed away Saturday morning from cancer. The actor's niece, Monica Fernandez, broke the news on Twitter, revealing that the 64-year-old actor died from a respiratory failure as a result of the illness. Televisa, for which the actor worked for many years, also lamented the actor's death. Peláez was best known for playing Miguel Hidalgo in the historical soap opera "La antorcha encendida."

Juan Peláez was much loved throughout the Mexican entertainment industry. Other actors expressed their sadness at losing a great talent and a great friend via social media. Verónica Castro wrote: "A great friend and colleague for so long! My dear Juan Peláez, you went to soon!" She also posted a video from "La Fuerza Inutil" where the two acted together. Victoria Ruffo also reacted to the actor's death saying "Farewell.".

Juan Peláez, was the son of spanish refugees. He began his career in 1970 with the film "Jóvenes de la Zona Rosa," directed by Alfredo Zacaría. He worked on films such as "Chin Chin El Teporocho, "Keiko En Peligro y and even made an appearence in 007: Licence to Kill. He acted in telenovelas such as "Cuidado Con El Angel," "Las Tontas No Van Al Cielo," "Mundo de Fieras" and "Como Dice el Dicho."