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Julián Ortega, Actor from Netflix’s ‘Elite,’ Dies at 41
Julián Ortega, known for his role in Netflix’s hit Spanish series “Elite,” passed away on August 25. The actor, aged 41, went into cardiac arrest while visiting Zahora Beach in Barbate, Spain, as confirmed by local reports.
Initial reports indicated that Ortega had drowned, but authorities later clarified that he experienced cardiac arrest while on the shore. Despite paramedics’ efforts to revive him, Ortega was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ortega had portrayed the manager of “La Cabana” restaurant in “Elite,” featuring in multiple episodes during the show’s first season. “Elite” had a successful run for eight seasons from 2018-2024, with its final episode airing on July 26.
Paco Collado, Ortega’s co-star in “The Countryside,” paid tribute to him on X (formerly Twitter) two days after his passing. Collado expressed his admiration, saying, “It was a great pleasure [Julián Ortega] to play your father in [‘The Countryside’]. You left us with sympathy, generosity and professionalism. Many hugs, friend, and also to your family. A real shame in the prime of your youth. RIP Julian.”
“Elite” revolves around a group of working-class teenagers who enroll in a prestigious private high school, leading to clashes with the established elite. The show’s cast includes Omar Ayuso, Itzan Escamilla, Arón Piper, Miguel Bernardeau, Valentina Zenere, André Lamoglia, and Claudia Salas.
The series garnered multiple nominations for Fotogramas de Plata Awards, a prestigious honor given by the Spanish film magazine Fotogramas since 1951. “Elite” also won “Killer Series” at the 2019 MTV MIAW Awards, an annual event hosted by MTV Latin America akin to the American MTV Music Video Awards.
Apart from “Elite,” Ortega’s notable works include “4 Estrellas,” “Untameable,” “Sentimos las Molestias,” and “Mylove Lost.”
