‘Elite’ actor Julian Ortega dead at 41

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Elite actor Julian Ortega has died aged 41.

The actor, famed for his roles in the Spanish Netflix drama and movies including Sicario, collapsed and had a heart attack on Sunday at Playa de Zahora beach in Cadiz, Spain, according to The Olive Press.

He went into cardiac arrest around 5.30 p.m. local time while Julian was on shore, despite initial reports stating that he had drowned, the Spanish outlet reported on Thursday.

The actor was said to have been pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics tried to revive him for 30 minutes.

His death has been confirmed by the Spanish Union of Actors and Actresses, who published an obituary in his honour that said: “Our deepest condolences to his family and friends from the Union of Actors and Actresses. Rest in peace.”

Julian starred in six episodes of the first season of teen drama Elite, which followed a trio of working-class teens whose grievances with their wealthy classmates led to a murder.

The actor played the manager of the La Cabana restaurant in six episodes of the hit Spanish-language drama’s first series in 2018, with the show running for eight seasons before it finished in July.

Julian’s other credits included Cable Girls, Caronte and Velvet and The Countryside, with the actor most recently starring in the Spanish soap opera 4 Estrellas.

He studied at the drama school Real Escuela Superior de Arte Dramatico in Madrid before his acting career took off.

His death sparked a flood of tributes from fans and actors on social media, including from theatre and screen actress Silvia Marso.

The 61-year-old said on Instagram alongside a selfie of her with Julian: “I can’t even imagine how these parents, colleagues, so beloved in the profession, are feeling. How horrible.”

Actress Helena Lanza said: “Julian, I will always remember you. An empathetic, kind, generous, intelligent, talented being.

“How I enjoyed watching him on stage and how I loved sharing plans with him. How many talks together and how many laughs we’ve had.”

Actress Raquel Guerrero, 48, also paid tribute to Julian, saying online: “A pleasure to have been able to share a bit of this life and be able to enjoy your education, your humility and your work.”