Kamar de los Reyes, the multifaceted talent who brought the enigmatic villain Raul Menendez to life in the widely acclaimed video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops II” and charmed audiences as Antonio Vega on the enduring soap opera “One Life to Live,” passed away on Sunday in Los Angeles after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. His wife’s publicist verified the news to Variety. He was 56.
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and nurtured in the vibrant atmosphere of Las Vegas, Kamar made the pivotal move to Los Angeles in the late 1980s to pursue his passion for acting, having honed his skills in singing and dancing during his formative years. His journey in the spotlight began with the role of Chicano boxer Pedro “Roadman” Quinn in the off-Broadway production “Blade to the Heat” in 1994, a role he originated. Notably, he shared the stage with Patrick Stewart in a 1995 rendition of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.”
The small screen soon beckoned, and Kamar embraced his first major role on the enduring ABC soap opera “One Life to Live.” From 1995 to 1998, he portrayed Antonio Vega, a character introduced as serving a life sentence for murder but later exonerated upon revealing he acted in self-defense. The intricacies of his character’s origin unfolded, disclosing that he was not the biological son of matriarch Carlotta Vega but rather the offspring of her brother, Manuel Santi. Returning to the show in 2000, Kamar continued to captivate audiences as Antonio until 2009.
In the gaming realm, Kamar de los Reyes etched his name as the formidable Raul Menendez in the popular 2012 release “Call of Duty: Black Ops II,” where he portrayed a Nicaraguan arms dealer and terrorist, catalyzing a futuristic Cold War in the year 2025. His portrayal resonated so profoundly that he reprised the character in subsequent titles, including “Call of Duty: Black Ops IV” and “Call of Duty: Vanguard.”
Kamar de los Reyes leaves behind a legacy marked by his versatility, charisma, and the indelible characters he brought to life, forever remembered by fans of both the screen and gaming worlds.
Kamar de los Reyes movies
Among his diverse repertoire, he graced the silver screen in productions like “Nixon” and “The Cell,” and left an indelible mark on television with memorable roles in “Sleepy Hollow,” “The Rookie,” and “All American.” The crescendo of his career was set to continue with upcoming appearances in the Marvel universe, starring in “Daredevil: Born Again,” and Hulu’s intriguing series, “Washington Black,” as revealed by his wife’s publicist.
Kamar de los Reyes family
De los Reyes leaves behind a legacy embraced by his devoted wife, the talented actor Sherri Saum. His journey is immortalized through the love and memories shared with his sons Caylen, Michael, and John. Standing beside him in the tapestry of his life are his brothers Daniel and Walfredo Jr., and sisters Lily and Ilde. Matilde, his nurturing mother, and Walfredo, his guiding father, also join the symphony of those who cherish his spirit.