Telenovela World Mourns: Renowned 'Destilando Amor' Hit-Maker Nicandro Díaz Dies Unexpectedly

The telenovela world is in mourning after the sudden death of Televisa producer and telenovelas hitmaker Nicandro Díaz. According to Mexican entertainment media, the 61 year old television executive was on a family vacation when he suffered a severe accident while on a jet ski on the beaches of Cozumel.

An urgent call for blood donations on his social media preceded the news of his passing. Hours later, the cast of Televisa's morning show "Hoy" revealed that Díaz didn't survive the accident. The specifics of what happened remain private, but his death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community.

Dozens of actors, professionals behind the camera, television executives, and journalists took to social media to honor his legacy, express their devastation, and give thanks for his contribution to his life and his art.

Who was Nicandro Díaz?

A native of the northern Mexican city of Monterrey, Díaz began his career as a production assistant under the tutelage of the legendary producer and writer Valentín Pimstein, working on classics like "Monte Calvario" and Veronica Castro's "Rosa Salvaje" in the late 80s. His rise within the industry was meteoric, leading him to serve as a production coordinator on Mariana Levy's "La Pícara Soñadora" and "Simplemente María," the telenovela that launched the career of Victoria Ruffo.

At the age of 35, he made his mark as an executive producer with the children's telenovela "Gotita de amor" in 1998.

However, it was his 2007 melodrama, "Destilando amor," that cemented his status as a television legend. This production, starred by Angélica Rivera and Eduardo Yañez, not only captured audiences' hearts but also showcased Díaz's unique talent for storytelling.

Then came "Amores verdaderos," the telenovela that established Eiza González as an actress and her last before moving to Hollywood, "Hasta el fin del mundo," "Hijas de la luna," and many more.

His most recent work, "Golpe de suerte," also with Yañez, concluded just three weeks prior to his passing, adding another successful project to his prolific career.

What happened to Nicandro Díaz?

In the early hours of March 18, Díaz's official accounts social media accounts, on X (Twitter) and Instagram, urgently requested AB negative or O negative blood donations at Hospital Costamed Cozumel for the producer. The plea raised immediate concern among his followers, who flooded the post with questions and well-wishes.

Televisa sources later confirmed that Díaz's death was due to an aquatic accident in Cozumel, Quintana Roo.

The impact of Díaz's death extends far beyond his immediate circle. Figures like Erika Buenfil, Eduardo Yáñez, Marjorie de Sousa, Chantal Andere, Yolanda Andrade, and González, among many others, have expressed their deep sorrow on various social media platforms. Their messages paint a picture of a respected and beloved figure in the telenovela world, whose absence will leave a significant void.

In an impromptu tribute, the "Hoy" program deviated from its usual format to honor Díaz. Hosts Raúl Araiza, Galilea Montijo, and Paul Stanley stood hand-in-hand, while a tearful Andrea Legarreta announced the passing of the beloved producer.

Nicandro Díaz's journey in the entertainment world has been one marked by passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling. His death is not just a loss to the telenovela industry but to the myriad of viewers whose lives he touched with his captivating narratives. As the industry mourns, his legacy continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the timeless stories he created.

The Latino TV world mourns his death

Eiza González: "You changed my life."

Producer Rosy Ocampo: "He was an example."

Actress Chantal Andere: "I am going to miss you forever."

Gotita de amor actress Daniela Aedo

Actor Carlos de la Mota: "God, I am in so much pain."

Actress Erika Buenfil: "Condolences."

Writer El Chascas Valenzuela

Patricia Manterola

Lucía Méndez

Joaquín López Dóriga

Marjorie de Sousa: "You were my friend and my protector."