Who was Mario Ernesto Sánchez? Miami Vice star dies at 78

Cuban actor Mario Ernesto Sánchez passed away at 78, Diario Las Américas reported recently. The Miami Vice star was suffering from a “long and painful illness,” his assistant confirmed to the South Florida-based Spanish newspaper via a phone call (translated from Spanish),

“Mario Ernesto Sánchez died today [April 10] at 3:03 a.m. as a result of a long and painful illness.”

Sánchez was known for portraying many supporting roles in films like Bad Boys, Miami Vice (2006), Invasion U.S.A., The Specialist, The Truman Show, and more. At the same time, Mario also made guest and recurring appearances in TV shows like Only Fools and Horses and Miami Vice.

The veteran actor-director was originally from San Antonio de las Vegas, Cuba. According to the Mirror, Mario Ernesto Sánchez was 15 when he immigrated to the USA during the then-ongoing Operation Pedro Pan. When the actor was in his 30s, he founded Teatro Avante (Theater Avante).

The non-profit theater based in Miami, Florida, emerged as an organization focused on the “preservation of Hispanic cultural heritage.” Mario Ernesto Sánchez was president, artistic director, and producer at Teatro Avante, which also presents the Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival.

In a 2021 interview with Islander News, Sánchez spoke about the purpose and vision behind Teatro Avante and the festival (which began in 1986),

“The mission of the festival as well as of Teatro Avante has not changed through the years: ‘To preserve, enhance and further develop our Hispanic cultural heritage through the production and presentation of universal theater and educational programs.’”

Tributes pour in after Mario Ernesto Sánchez died at 78

Many sent their condolences and paid their respects to the late actor and theater director after the news of his passing broke out. The X account of Only Fools and Horses Podcast (@podonlyfools) remembered the actor,

“The Only Fools and Horses Podcast are sorry to hear the news of the recent passing of Mario Ernesto Sanchez who played Alberto Vasquez in “Miami Twice” our thoughts are with his family & friends.”

Another user (@larriquez) posted about Mario’s passing and his contributions to the Ibero-American theater scene (translated from Spanish),

“Mario Ernesto Sánchez, a leading figure in Ibero-American theater, has passed away. He championed him by competing in every edition of the Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival.”

Theater actress Veronica Abruza Di Liello dedicated a Facebook post to the late director and Teatro Avante founder (translated from Spanish),

“Such sad news! Goodbye Mario Ernesto Sanchez , my condolences to your beloved children, family and friends. I will always remember how gentle you were when I arrived in Miami, your antentions, your chivalry. May your soul unite with the source of light and love.”

Miami-based dentist Ramón A. Sánchez, also shared his thoughts via Facebook (translated from Spanish),

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“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.”

Theater actor-director Erom Jimmy Cuesta also uploaded a post in the FB group Miami Art Promotion to highlight Mario’s contributions and work with Teatro Avante.

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