Kamar de los Reyes, a beloved actor known for his roles in “One Life to Live” and the “Call of Duty” video game series, passed away on December 24, 2023, at the age of 56. The Puerto Rican actor died after a brief battle with cancer, as confirmed by his representative.
De los Reyes had a diverse career spanning television, film, and video games. He was best known for portraying Antonio Vega on the ABC soap opera “One Life to Live” and voicing the character of Raul Menendez in “Call of Duty: Black Ops II.” His talent and versatility made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
At the time of his death, de los Reyes had been working on upcoming projects, including a role in Marvel’s “Daredevil” series. His passing left a significant impact on his colleagues and fans, with tributes pouring in from various corners of the entertainment world.
Early Life and Background
Kamar de los Reyes was born into a family with deep musical roots in Puerto Rico. His early years shaped his path towards the entertainment industry, leading him to pursue acting in New York.
Birth and Family
Kamar de los Reyes was born on November 8, 1967, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was the son of Walfredo de los Reyes, a renowned Cuban drummer. Growing up in a musical household, Kamar was exposed to the arts from a young age. His family’s influence played a significant role in nurturing his creative talents. Despite his father’s musical background, Kamar found his passion in acting rather than music.
Early Career
De los Reyes moved to Las Vegas as a teenager, where he began to explore his interest in performing. He later relocated to New York City to pursue acting more seriously. In New York, he honed his craft through theater productions and small television roles. His breakthrough came when he landed a part in a New York Times-reviewed play, which garnered attention from industry professionals. This early success on stage set the foundation for his future career in television and film.
Highlights of Acting Career
Kamar de los Reyes built a diverse acting portfolio spanning television, film, and theater. His performances showcased versatility across genres and mediums, earning him recognition in the entertainment industry.
Soap Opera Success
Kamar de los Reyes gained widespread recognition for his role as Antonio Vega on ABC’s long-running soap opera “One Life to Live.” He portrayed the character from 1995 to 2009, becoming a fan favorite. De los Reyes’s portrayal of the complex police officer brought depth and nuance to the show, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
His tenure on “One Life to Live” solidified his status as a soap opera star and opened doors for future opportunities in television.
Notable TV Appearances
De los Reyes’s television career extended beyond soap operas, with guest roles on popular primetime series. He appeared in episodes of “The Rookie,” “CSI: Miami,” and “The Mentalist,” demonstrating his range as an actor.
In 2017, de los Reyes took on the recurring role of Jobe, a demon, in the fourth season of “Sleepy Hollow.” This character allowed him to explore supernatural themes and showcase his ability to portray antagonistic roles.
He also made appearances on “Pretty Little Liars,” further expanding his television repertoire.
Impacts on Theatre and Film
De los Reyes made significant contributions to theatre and film throughout his career. He starred in the critically acclaimed play “Blade to the Heat” at The Public Theater in New York, showcasing his talents on stage.
His film credits included roles in “Valley of the Dolls” and a production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” These performances demonstrated his versatility as an actor capable of tackling both contemporary and classical works.
De los Reyes’s impact extended beyond his performances, as he served as an inspiration for aspiring Latino actors in the industry.
Involvement in Video Games
Kamar de los Reyes made a significant impact in the video game industry through his voice acting work. He brought life to memorable characters in popular gaming franchises.
Voice Acting Roles
Kamar de los Reyes gained recognition for his portrayal of Raul Menendez in the Call of Duty series. He first voiced the character in Call of Duty: Black Ops II, released in 2012. Menendez was a central antagonist in the game’s campaign mode.
De los Reyes reprised his role as Raul Menendez in subsequent Call of Duty titles. His performance added depth and intensity to the character, making Menendez a memorable villain in the franchise.
In addition to Black Ops II, de los Reyes lent his voice to Call of Duty: Vanguard. This 2021 release further expanded his involvement in the series.
His work in these games showcased his versatility as an actor. De los Reyes brought nuance and complexity to his video game performances, enhancing the storytelling in these popular titles.
Personal Life
Kamar de los Reyes led a vibrant personal life, balancing his acting career with family and philanthropic endeavors. He built strong relationships and engaged in charitable work, particularly focused on his Puerto Rican heritage.
Relationships and Marriage
Kamar de los Reyes married actress Sherri Saum in 2007. The couple welcomed twin sons, John and Michael, in 2014. De los Reyes also had an older son, Caylen, from a previous relationship. The family resided in Los Angeles, where both actors pursued their careers in the entertainment industry.
De los Reyes and Saum often appeared together at red carpet events and were known for their strong partnership. They supported each other’s professional endeavors and shared a commitment to raising their children.
Charitable Work
De los Reyes was passionate about giving back to his community, especially in Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017, he actively participated in relief efforts. He organized fundraisers and used his platform to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by Puerto Ricans.
The actor also supported various charitable organizations focused on children’s education and health initiatives. He frequently attended benefit events and lent his voice to causes close to his heart. De los Reyes’s philanthropic work reflected his deep connection to his roots and his desire to make a positive impact beyond the entertainment world.
Recent Works and Current Projects
Kamar de los Reyes remained active in entertainment until shortly before his passing. He took on notable roles in television and continued his involvement in a popular video game franchise.
Television and Series
De los Reyes appeared in several TV series in recent years. He had a recurring role as Coach Montes in “All American” on The CW. The actor also guest-starred on “The Rookie” and “The Passage.”
In a significant career development, de los Reyes filmed scenes for Marvel’s upcoming “Daredevil: Born Again” series. This project was set to introduce him to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Video Game Franchise
De los Reyes maintained a strong connection to the “Call of Duty” video game series. He reprised his role as the character Raul Menendez in “Call of Duty: Black Ops 4,” released in 2018.
His voice performance as Menendez became iconic within the franchise. The character appeared in multiple entries of the series, solidifying de los Reyes’ status among gaming fans.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Kamar de los Reyes made significant contributions to Latin American representation in media and inspired future generations of actors. His work broke barriers and showcased diverse talent in the entertainment industry.
Representation in Media
Kamar de los Reyes played a crucial role in advancing Latin American representation on screen. His portrayal of Antonio Vega on “One Life to Live” from 1995 to 2009 brought a complex, nuanced Puerto Rican character to mainstream television. This long-running role helped normalize Latin American presence in daytime drama.
De los Reyes also made notable appearances in films like “The Cell” and “Salt,” further expanding the visibility of Latin American actors in Hollywood. His performances challenged stereotypes and provided audiences with authentic, multifaceted Latin American characters.
Influence on Future Generations
De los Reyes’ success paved the way for aspiring Latin American actors. His ability to secure prominent roles in television, film, and video games demonstrated the potential for Latin American talent to thrive across various entertainment mediums.
Young actors looked up to de los Reyes as a role model who proved that Latin American performers could achieve lasting success in the industry. His work in projects like “Washington Black” continued to push boundaries and create opportunities for diverse storytelling.
De los Reyes’ legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances. He actively supported emerging talent and advocated for increased Latin American representation in the entertainment industry.
Health and Well-being
Kamar de los Reyes’s health journey and advocacy efforts highlighted important aspects of personal wellness and public health awareness. His battle with cancer brought attention to critical health issues affecting many individuals.
Public Health Advocacy
Kamar de los Reyes used his platform to raise awareness about cancer and its impact on individuals and families. He supported various cancer research initiatives and fundraising events. De los Reyes participated in charity walks and telethons to promote early detection and treatment options.
His advocacy extended to promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive care. He encouraged regular health screenings and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine.
Personal Health Matters
De los Reyes faced a brief but intense battle with cancer. He was diagnosed shortly before his passing in Los Angeles at the age of 56. The actor maintained a private approach to his health struggles, with limited public information about his specific diagnosis or treatment.
Throughout his career, de los Reyes prioritized physical fitness for his roles in television and video games. He followed a disciplined workout regimen and balanced nutrition plan to stay in shape for demanding performances. His commitment to personal health served as an inspiration to fans and colleagues alike.