Mario Ernesto Sánchez has died aged 78 after suffering from a ‘long and painful illness’. 

The Cuban actor pᴀssed away on Sunday morning, his ᴀssistant confirmed. 

A statement to South Florida newspaper, Diario Las Américas, read: ‘Mario Ernesto Sánchez died today at 3:03 am as a result of a long and painful illness.’

The actor was known for starring in Miami Vice in a recurring limo driver role and also appeared in the Only Fools And Horses Christmas special, Miami Twice. 

His most recent role came in 2022, in TV series Jammerz. Prior that he starred in the HBO remake of the hit movie, Father of the Bride. 

Born in San Antonio de las Vegas, Mario moved to United States aged 15 and later took up a career in acting. 

Mario Ernesto Sánchez has died aged 78 after suffering from a ‘long and painful illness’. The Cuban actor pᴀssed away on Monday morning, his ᴀssistant confirmed.

The actor was known for starring in Miami Vice (pictured) in a recurring limo driver role and also appeared in the Only Fools And Horses Christmas special

He went on to land roles in Hollywood movies such as 1985’s Invasion U.S.A. and The Specialist in 1994. 

In 1978, the star founded Teatro Avante, a nonprofit theater organisation, focused on preserving Hispanic theater and culture.

The Latino Theater Company/LATC honoured him with the Legacy Award in 2014, an accolade for ‘outstanding individuals whose lifelong commitment to Latino Theater in the United States and Latin America will have a lasting impact on the field.’ 

Stars rushed to pay tribute on social media. 

Ramón A. Sánchez penned: ‘A glory of Cuba and the theater has left us: Mario Ernesto Sánchez. He is already with Lorca, Molière, Euripides and many more greats of the theater. Rest in peace Chachito and thank you very much for your legacy.’

Actress Verónica Abruza added: ‘Sad news. Goodbye Mario Ernesto Sánchez. My condolences to his beloved children, family and friends. 

‘I will always remember how kind you were upon my arrival in Miami; your attention, your chivalry.

I will always remember how kind you were upon my arrival in Miami; your attention, your chivalry.

‘May your soul unite with the source of light and love.’ 

Mario pictured in the Only Fools and Horses Christmas special, Miami Twice

Miami Art Promotion issued a statement that read: ‘The outstanding actor and director of Cuban origin Mario Ernesto Sánchez dies in Miami.

‘His tireless work in the Cuban exile theater, since his early arrival in the United States, has earned him the valuable work of Teatro Avante, a group he founded, as well as the Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival, with almost 40 years of experience.

‘Peace to his remains and condolences to his loved ones and friends. It also serves as a well-deserved tribute to his extensive career.’

A statement to South Florida newspaper, Diario Las Américas, read: ‘Mario Ernesto Sánchez died today at 3:03 am as a result of a long and painful illness’