Kamar de los Reyes, best known for his role as the troubled cop Antonio Vega on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live and as the villain Raul Menendez in the video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II, died on Sunday, December 24, in Los Angeles. He was 56. Though the specific cause of death wasn’t revealed, the Puerto Rican actor reportedly died after a brief battle with cancer.
Remembering the Life and Career of Kamar de los Reyes
The publicist of Kamar de los Reyes’ wife, Sherri Saum, confirmed his death to Variety.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he was raised in Las Vegas and moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s to pursue an acting career.
From there, he played the role of the Chicano boxer Pedro “Roadman” Quinn in the off-Broadway play Blade to the Heat in 1994 and appeared opposite Patrick Stewart in the production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest in 1995.
The same year, he played his first major role in the long-running One Life to Live, which lasted until 1998 and later returned in 2000. He stayed on the show until 2009.
Kamar de los Reyes, the actor behind Raul Menendez in Call of Duty, has passed away after a brief battle with cancer. He was 56.
RIP. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QQ9bhdFBPJ
— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) December 25, 2023
In 2012, Reyes again made a big name by playing the antagonist, Raul Menendez, in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. He also reprised this role in Call of Duty: Black Ops IV and Call of Duty: Vanguard.
His other credits included the films The Cell (2000), Mambo Café (2000), Cayo (2005), and Salt (2010). He also guest-starred on ER, New York Undercover, Touched by an Angel, Early Edition, Law & Order, CSI: Miami, Blue Bloods, and Castle.
Saum’s publicist also revealed that Reyes worked on All America and played a role in Hulu’s yet-to-be-released Washington Black with Sterling K. Brown. He also had an important part in the upcoming Marvel series Daredevil: Born Again.
Who is Kamar de los Reyes’ Wife, Sherri Saum?
Just like Kamar de los Reyes, his wife, Sherri Saum, is also an actress. She played the role of Adams Forster on another long-running series, The Fosters, on Freeform.
The two met on the One Life to Live set while filming together. The couple tied the knot in 2007 and lived in Los Angeles. They went on to have twin sons, John and Michael, who are now nine years old.
Reyes also had another son, Caylen, 26, from a previous relationship.
He’s survived by his father and mother, the Cuban percussionist Walfredo de los Reyes, and Puerto Rican Matilde Pages, his wife, his three kids, and three siblings.
Even if you didn't like all of Antonio Vega's pairings, there was always a charisma and appeal he brought to them. RIP Kamar de los Reyes. pic.twitter.com/nAA3fYyHAk
— Ｄｉｏｎａ ♌️🌞♏️🌛♒️ 🌅 (@Elladrien) December 25, 2023
Though Saum has yet to speak about her husband’s death, she said in an appearance on What Had Happened Was … with Amelia Robinson podcast in 2018 (via Us Weekly) that Reyes was such a “good person.” He was so kind that sometimes she was in tears, thinking how good of a father he was and had incredible dedication and commitment.
She also considered him a superhero after returning his plant to life, praising his commitment and consistency. “He’s just the real deal,” she said.
All American Showrunner Honors Kamar de los Reyes
Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll shared a tribute to Kamar de los Reyes in a statement to Deadline.
The writer said they were absolutely devastated at the loss of Reyes, describing him as a beloved member of their show, All American family. Even during the actor’s final days, he brought nothing but love, light, and joy to the set every day, and they were grateful for the moment he spent with them.
“Our hearts and sincere condolences are with Sherri, Caylen, Michael, John, and the rest of Kamar’s family,” she continued. “Thank you for sharing him so generously with us and with the rest of the world. He truly was a gift. One we will cherish forever.”
Kamar de los Reyes left a legacy that no one could surpass and greatly contributed to the entertainment industry. Fans will always remember him for his great acting skills and the entertainment he had brought all these years, while his family will always cherish his love and dedication.
The Spiel Times family extends our condolences to Kamar de los Reyes’ family, friends, and loved ones.
