Who was Mario Ernesto Sánchez? Only Fools and Horses actor dies at 78

Actor Mario Ernesto Sánchez died at the age of 78. He was most remembered by UK audiences for playing a Colombian drug lord in the Only Fools and Horses’ Christmas special Miami Twice. His agent reported on April 10 that he died after suffering from a 'long and painful illness'.

Champion of Hispanic theatre in the US

Sánchez was born in Cuban city San Antonio de las Vegas in 1947 and moved to the United States at age 15. He arrived in the US under Operation Pedro Pan, a large exodus of more than 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children fleeing from Fidel Castro's regime, according to media reports.


As per a GB News report, Mario emerged as a prominent figure in the Hispanic arts community in the US, especially because of his contributions in theatre.

The thespian, in 1979, started a Hispanic theatre group in Florida called Teatro Avante. Latino theatre was nurtured in the area because of this company. Next, Sánchez also founded the Miami International Hispanic Theatre Festival. The festival has commemorated almost four decades with his direction. It is reported that his efforts entitled him to the Legacy Award in Los Angeles in 2014 for influencing the Latin American performing arts.

Mario’s extensive screen career

As per The Independent report, Mario had an extensive screen career as well with appearances in both television and films. He was featured in five episodes of Miami Vice as different supporting characters and was a part of the show’s film adaptation made in 2006. He was also spotted in films like Invasion USA alongside Chuck Norris and in The Specialist with Sylvester Stallone.

However, he is fondly remembered by British audiences for his role as a drug lord for a two-part special for Miami Twice. He starred opposite David Jason’s Del Boy. His performance was one of the reasons the episode gained popularity among the audience.

Tributes pour in from theatre and film communities

Tributes from friends and colleagues in the industry poured in following the news of his passing. Fellow Cuban actor Ramón A. Sánchez said that Mario was the glory of Cuba and the theatre world. Meanwhile, actor Verónica Abruza said that he was a kind and generous person. While offering her tributes, Abruza said may his soul unite with the source of light and love.

Miami Art Promotion too paid tribute to Mario, describing him as an outstanding actor and director of Cuban origin. They said his tireless work in Cuban exile theatre has left a lasting impact. The group praised him for his “valuable work” in preserving and promoting Hispanic theatre traditions.

Sánchez’s reflections on his career

As per The Independent report, in a previous interview, the actor humbly reflected on his career. He said that he still has a lot to do. He said he fights for what he believes in and for what he thinks is good for the city.

Mario is survived by his family and a lasting legacy in both the theatre and screen worlds.

FAQs

Q1: What was Mario Ernesto Sánchez's role in Only Fools and Horses?
A: He played a Colombian drug baron in the two-part Christmas episode Miami Twice, broadcast in December 1991.

Q2: How did Mario Ernesto Sánchez contribute to Hispanic theatre?
A: He established Teatro Avante in 1979 and the Miami International Hispanic Theatre Festival, both of which helped significantly in promoting Hispanic performing arts in the US.