STAR DEAD
Only Fools and Horses & Miami Vice star dies aged 78 after long illness as passionate tributes pour in
The sad news was confirmed by the star's assistant
AN Only Fools and Horses and Miami Vice actor has died aged 78 as tributes pour in.
Mario Ernesto Sánchez sadly passed away at around 3.30am after suffering a "long and painful illness".
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The news was confirmed by the South Florida newspaper, Diario Las Américas, through Mario’s assistant.
The statement read: "Mario Ernesto Sánchez died today at 3:03 am as a result of a long and painful illness."
Mario featured in the British classic Only Fools And Horses during his stellar career.
He portrayed a Colombian drug lord in the two-part Christmas special, Miami Twice.
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Del Boy David Jason himself revealed Miami Twice was one of his favourite episodes.
He said: "Filming this episode in Florida in 1991 I had the opportunity to shout across the water at Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, and then, later, take tea and a piece of cake at Barry’s gaff overlooking the water.
"Where I learned, incidentally, that he was a) admirably down to earth and b) just the most enormous fan of our show.
"As an ex-pat, Barry apparently used to insist on having two things flown out to him from the UK that he couldn’t get in the States: Jaffa Cakes and tapes of Only Fools And Horses. Ah, that rock ’n’ roll lifestyle.
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"And I vividly recall the Miami hotel we stayed in and drinking cocktails and hanging out in the sun with Nick and mucking about on boats in the Everglades and thinking: “Is this actually work?”
"I also vividly recall the looks on the faces of some of the cast when the scripts were handed round and they realised that they weren’t in those scenes."
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Mario also appeared in five episodes of Miami Vice in a recurring limo driver role.
The Cuban-American actor played a different character in the 2006 movie Miami Vice.
His other Hollywood credits include Invasion U.S.A. and The Specialist.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the star since news of his death broke.
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
Verónica Abruza, actress
Ramón A. Sánchez said: “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.
"May your soul unite with the source of light and love."
And, Miami Art Promotion wrote a statement which 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.
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"Peace to his remains and condolences to his loved ones and friends. It also serves as a well-deserved tribute to his extensive career.”
The details of Mario's funeral are said to be released soon.
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