QEPD / RIP Mauricio Leyton

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of actor and longtime HOLA member and supporter Mauricio Leyton. He made his transition in his native Chile on December 1, 2013. He became an HOLA member (and had been continuously an HOLA member) since August 2004.

Some of his recent credits include the New York productions Life Could Be Un Sueño (written and directed by Lina Sarrello) at Teatro LATEA, The Love of Brothers (written by Mario Golden and directed by Andreas Robertz) at Theater for the New City, Vortex (written and directed by Papo Colo) at Exit Art, among others. He also performed in plays in Hoboken, Asbury Park and Union City (all in New Jersey); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

Some of his film credits include Mariposa (directed by Sherette Gregg), Christian (directed by Ko-Rely Pi), Arianna (directed by Mauricio Leiva), Burning Red (directed by Julissa Carmona) and A Letter To My Father (directed by Dale Arroyo), among others. Most recently, he booked a guest-starring role on the CBS series "Blue Bloods".

He also acted in a staged reading of Lina Gallegos' play Carmen's Pearl (directed by José A. Esquea) for the 2011 HOLAfestival.

But beyond his credits as an actor, we at HOLA can share with you the Mauricio we knew-- Mauricio Leyton, the man. He was dignified, the definition of a "caballero" (gentleman) and a generous human being with a big heart and a beautiful soul. His broad build could make him seem intimidating and daunting at first, but just a few seconds of conversation with him would put you at ease and made it impossible for you not to like him (or love him). He was just that way, that kind of person-- open, friendly and fun-loving.

Funeral and memorial services are being planned as of this writing.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. And as sad as his passing is, it is not as sad as how we feel for those who were not lucky (or blessed) enough to have met or have known the beautiful force of nature who we knew as Mauricio Leyton.

 QEPD / RIP Mauricio Leyton