Emilio Antonio Echevarría Noriega, a renowned Mexican actor who gained international recognition for his role in the James Bond film “Die Another Day,” and acclaim in Mexican cinema, died on January 4, 2025, in Mexico City. He was 80 years old. The Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences (AMACC) announced his death, though the cause was not disclosed.

Screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga, a longtime collaborator, paid tribute to Echevarría, describing him as a “tremendous actor and an even better human being.” 

Born on July 3, 1944, in Mexico City, Echevarría’s path to acting was unconventional. He studied at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, working as an accountant before transitioning to acting at age 31 when a friend invited him to participate in a local theater production. This unexpected invitation would launch a career spanning nearly five decades.

His formal acting career began in 1978 as a member of the Constitution of Art and Society, where he honed his craft in theater before transitioning to film roles in the 1980s. The stage work provided a foundation for his later acclaimed screen performances, earning him recognition as one of Mexico’s most versatile character actors.

Echevarría’s breakthrough came with his portrayal of El Chivo, a complex hitman and ex-guerrilla, in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Oscar-nominated drama “Amores Perros” (2000). His nuanced performance in this role brought international attention to Mexican cinema and highlighted social issues, including the practice of dog fighting, which was subsequently banned in Mexico in 2017.

Throughout his distinguished career, Echevarría earned three Ariel Award nominations, Mexico’s equivalent of the Academy Awards, for his compelling work as a supporting actor. These nominations came for his performances in “Morir en el Golfo,” “A Monster With A Thousand Heads,” and “The Chosen,” demonstrating his consistent ability to deliver powerful character portrayals across different genres. He also embraced television work, featuring in several episodes of the Amazon Prime Video series “Mozart In The Jungle,” which helped introduce him to a new generation of viewers.

In 2002, Echevarría expanded his international presence by playing Raoul, a Cuban intelligence operative who assists James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) in “Die Another Day.” His performance as the resourceful manager of a Havana cigar factory was praised by critics and marked a significant milestone in his career, introducing him to English-speaking audiences worldwide.

His versatility as an actor was further showcased through significant roles in Alfonso Cuarón’s coming-of-age drama “Y Tu Mamá También” and Iñárritu’s multilingual ensemble film “Babel.” In 2004, he took on the historical role of Mexican president Antonio López de Santa Anna in “The Alamo,” demonstrating his ability to portray complex historical figures.

His contributions to Mexican cinema were celebrated through multiple film festival appearances and retrospectives. The Mexican Film Institute recognized his impact on national cinema with a lifetime achievement award, acknowledging his role in elevating Mexican films to international prominence.

Echevarría is survived by his daughter, Lourdes Echevarría, who followed in her father’s footsteps as an actress in the Mexican film industry. She has gained recognition for her performances in productions, including “Dark Cities” and “A Mother’s Love,” continuing the family’s artistic legacy in Mexican cinema.