José De La Torre, widely known for his role as Iván in Netflix’s Toy Boy, has passed away.

The Spanish-language series debuted in 2019 and has completed two seasons. Although a third and final season was announced in 2022, it has not yet been released.

News of De La Torre’s passing was first reported by Montilla Digital, a publication based in his hometown of Montilla, Spain. According to the outlet, the actor’s death was due to an illness that had only recently been diagnosed.

In June, De La Torre shared publicly that he was battling a “serious illness” and had started treatment. He stepped away from the spotlight to focus on his health. His final post on Instagram, shared on June 3, featured him enjoying time with friends in the Canary Islands.

“The happiness of arriving in the Canary Islands, seeing your friends, grab a mojito and start singing until your voice breaks,” he wrote alongside photos capturing the joyful moment.

Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in for the Toy Boy actor.

Spanish singer Pablo Alborán expressed his grief on social media: “I can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m devastated by your departure. I’m sending kisses to all of your family and friends.

“We’ll never forget you, José. Wherever you are, I’m sure you’re wearing a Hawaiian shirt, a killer moustache, and those sunglasses like the ones we wore that day.”

Fans also left heartfelt messages on De La Torre’s final Instagram post. “Fly high, my friend! Another shining star lights the sky… we will see each other again!” wrote one admirer.

Another commented: “So young, so handsome, so full of life, so good an actor. I can’t believe it. Rest in peace, José, and may heaven welcome you with open arms.”

De La Torre once reflected on his connection to cinema in an interview with Montilla Digital. “From a very young age, I found refuge in cinema. But not so much in acting, at least at first,” he shared.

“I was a child who never stopped watching films, just to entertain myself. That caught my attention and planted in me the seed that would later become the desire to dedicate myself to it,” he said.

RIP.