Mexican actor and dancer Gerardo Taracena, best known for his fierce role as Middle Eye in Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, has died at 55.
Gerardo leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances across film, television, and theatre.
Born March 27, 1970, in Mexico City, Taracena discovered a passion for performing arts early, studying dramatic arts and training as a dancer.
His physical precision and intensity became hallmarks of his acting.
He honed his craft in more than 30 theatre productions with the Theatre Myth group and at Latin American theatre festivals before his breakout in Apocalypto (2006), which earned him international acclaim.
In Hollywood, he appeared in The Mexican (2001) and Man on Fire (2004), while his standout Mexican films included The Violin (2005), Sin Nombre (2009), and Saving Private Perez (2011).
On TV, he delivered memorable performances in El Pantera (2007–2008) as El Mandril, Queen of the South (2016–2017) as Cesar “Batman” Guemes, Perseguidos (2016–2017) as Gustavo “Tavo” Benítez, and Netflix’s Narcos: México, where he portrayed complex cartel figures.
His final role was in Prime Video’s Comerra (2025).
A three-time Ariel Awards nominee, Taracena was a cornerstone of Mexican cinema.
His passing prompted tributes from the National Association of Actors (ANDA), the Mexican Academy of Film Art, colleagues, and fans alike, who celebrated his “profound, sincere, and deeply human” performances.
Fans shared condolences online in memory of the star.
On Facebook, Aliye Yoya Sesiek shared, “We called him ‘almost’.”
Another, Nomaden Voilk, adding, “He was great in the role he played in Apocalypto. Condolences to his family and friends.”