Mario Ernesto Sánchez dies as tributes paid to Only Fools and Horses and Miami Vice star
Mario Ernesto Sánchez played a Colombian drug lord in the two-part Christmas special of Only Fools and Horses.
Actor Mario Ernesto Sánchez, best known for his roles in Only Fools and Horses and Miami Vice, has passed away at the age of 78. The Cuban-American actor died around 3.03am following a long and painful illness, his agent confirmed in a statement.
Sánchez made a memorable appearance in the beloved British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, portraying a Colombian drug lord in the two-part Christmas special, Miami Twice.
He also had a recurring role as a limo driver in the iconic 1980s series Miami Vice, and later appeared in the 2006 film adaptation in a smaller role. His film credits also include Invasion USA and The Specialist, reports the Mirror.
The news of his passing was shared with Diario Las Américas, a South Florida publication, and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the theatrical and cultural community.
Ramón A. Sánchez honored the late actor with a heartfelt message: “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 also paid tribute, saying: "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. May your soul unite with the source of light and love."
Miami Art Promotion released a statement honoring Sánchez’s lifelong dedication to Cuban exile theater: “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.”
Born in 1947 in San Antonio de las Vegas, Cuba, Sánchez immigrated to the United States at the age of 15 through Operation Pedro Pan. In 1979, he founded Teatro Avante, a Hispanic theater company in Florida dedicated to promoting Latin American theatrical works. His leadership and passion helped grow the Miami International Hispanic Theater Festival into a prominent cultural event.
In 2014, Sánchez received the Legacy Award in Los Angeles in recognition of his enduring contribution to Latino theater in the U.S. and Latin America. During his acceptance speech, he expressed both pride and humility: “[It means] that we have done a lot but we have a lot more to do. That’s all it means. I’m humbled by it but at the same time I’m very proud.
"But I always feel we haven’t done enough. We still need to create more interest in the residents of Miami for theater; that’s what we are still lacking.”
Reflecting on his adopted city, he once said: “Miami used to be a cultural desert. But Miami is my home. So I stay and fight—for what I believe in and what I believe is good for the city. Whatever it takes, for as long as it takes. I believe in theater. It does a lot of good for people, for the community."