Beloved Actress Cindyana Santangelo Passes Away at 59—Fans Mourn the Loss of a Unique Talent
Cindyana Santangelo, an actress known for her memorable appearances in the hit sitcom Married… With Children and the medical drama ER, has sadly passed away at the age of 59.
According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, emergency responders were called to a residence in Malibu, California, on Monday at 7:15 p.m. Santangelo was quickly transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Authorities revealed that Santangelo had recently received cosmetic injections at home, prompting an ongoing investigation. While officials are currently awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death, no foul play is suspected at this time.
Santangelo’s career began to take off in 1989 when she landed a role in the music video for “Bust a Move” by Young MC. The following year, her voice was featured in the opening of Jane’s Addiction’s hit song Stop. Lead singer Perry Farrell once referred to her as “the Latin Marilyn Monroe” in an interview with Spin Magazine.
She gained further recognition as Sierra Madre on Married…With Children, and later appeared on CSI: Miami and ER. Her film debut came in 1990, playing the character Lydia in The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. In 2003, she starred alongside Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett in the action-comedy Hollywood Homicide.
Originally from Manhattan, Santangelo relocated to the West Coast at a young age. She received a scholarship to the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in London at just 19, and continued her studies at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and USC’s School of Cinema and Television.
Just one month ago, Santangelo shared a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating her son Dante’s 20th birthday. In a touching caption, she wrote:
“These to [sic] Goonies mean everything—so amazing, young men. Sweethearts, smart & gorgeous,” alongside a photo of her two sons.
Since news of her passing broke, tributes have poured in from fans and loved ones. One longtime friend wrote on Instagram:
“My heart aches as I write this. I’m still in shock and disbelief. How can you be gone???”
She continued:
“I will feel your presence in every crashing wave, every salty breeze, and every shimmering reflection of the sun on the ocean’s surface. You were my best friend, my wifey, my kindred spirit. The most gorgeous mermaid in human form. Forever drawn to the sea.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindyana Santangelo’s family, friends, and all those who loved her during this difficult time. She will be deeply missed.
