Tribute to Adan Canto: 'The Cleaning Lady' Premiere Rewritten in Honor of the Late Star

Adan Canto Honored in Cleaning Lady Premiere as EPs Explain How Star s Death Changed the Season 446

Adan Canto. Jason Mendez/WireImage

The third season of The Cleaning Lady debuted on Tuesday night. This was the first new episode aired since the passing of star Adan Canto earlier this year. Canto, who played the character Arman Morales on the show, passed away at the age of 42 after battling appendiceal cancer in January.

At the start of the episode on Tuesday, March 5, Fox displayed a title card that said, “This season is dedicated to our beloved friend Adan Canto.” Before the premiere, co-showrunners Miranda Kwok and Jeannine Renshaw talked to The Hollywood Reporter about why the show decided to honor Canto and how his passing influenced the direction of the season.

"It was surprising when it happened, but we were aware that he was facing difficulties. He didn't want others to know the reasons behind his inability to work," Kwok shared. "It was a tough situation for us as we had to understand the situation and find a way to move on while also being considerate of him and his family."

Adan Canto Honored in Cleaning Lady Premiere as EPs Explain How Star s Death Changed the Season 445

The showrunners originally planned to temporarily write out Canto's character from the show due to his illness in December 2023. They were hopeful that they could eventually bring him back.

Kwok shared that they had already planned to have Arman's parents and family on the show. Despite the need to make adjustments, they still wanted to give Arman a space to return. They chose to continue exploring his backstory through Thony and Nadia, allowing everyone to discover more about Arman in a new light.

However, Canto's death posed some logistical challenges. In the premiere episode, there was a brief appearance of Canto's face. Kwok mentioned that they had discussed with the late actor on how he wished to be portrayed during his absence, and the crew had to use some movie magic to make it happen.

Kwok mentioned that he was supportive of the decision. Despite feeling saddened that he couldn't continue the journey, he expressed his desire to help in any way possible.

Renshaw noted that although Canto had informed production about his condition, his passing still came as a shock to them.

"We were completely surprised when we lost him," Renshaw said. "We never thought that he wouldn't make it. He involved us in the decision-making process of what he could handle as showrunners."

"The Cleaning Lady" is shown on Fox on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

The passing of Adan Canto has left a profound void in the hearts of "The Cleaning Lady" fans. His character, Arman Morales, was a beloved part of the show, and his absence is deeply felt. The showrunners' decision to honor Canto by dedicating the third season to him is a touching tribute to his memory. The use of Canto's face in the premiere episode, as well as the exploration of Arman's backstory through Thony and Nadia, allows his character to live on in a meaningful way.

Canto's passing also highlights the importance of open communication and support in the face of illness. His decision to share his condition with the production team allowed them to make necessary adjustments and plan for his absence. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, it is possible to find ways to honor and respect those who are facing health challenges. The showrunners' commitment to doing so is a testament to their dedication to both Canto and the show itself.