Julio Oscar Mechoso, a character actor who took on dozens of dramatic and comedic roles during a lengthy career, has died from a heart attack.
He was 62.
Mechoso died Saturday, according to the Miami Herald, which was first to report the news.
The actor, who was born in Miami, notably appeared in popular series such as "Seinfeld" and "Miami Vice" after initially breaking in as an actor during his mid-20s. More recently, he earned gigs on "The Big Bang Theory," "Madam Secretary" and "Grey's Anatomy."
He also leaves a lasting impression on the film industry, as he played Zorro's guardian in "The Legend of Zorro" (2005) and appeared in "Jurassic Park III" (2001) and "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006).
Fellow actor and longtime friend Andy Garcia penned an emotional and powerful tribute to Mechoso shortly after his death.
"How can one express the extreme loss of someone so close to you, the extreme emptiness that one feels now and forever," he began in a letter shared by the Miami Herald.
"A sudden loss is always unjust, but in the case of Julio Oscar Mechoso, my friend, my soul mate it is greater than that, as I have lost the truest of friends. Julio is a unique and extraordinary artist. I say is, because his artistry will carry on and will be present in all that will witness it," he continued. "That will never die."
Mechoso's latest projects included a recurring role in the 2014 crime series "Matador," as well as a guest spot on "From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series."
