Netflix star dead at 37 just months after announcing battle with ‘serious illness’

Netflix star José De la Torre has died at the age of 37, according to reports.

De La Torre was best known for starring in Netflix show Toy Boy, where he played the character of Ivan.

The Spanish-language drama first aired in 2019 and has had two seasons so far. A third and final season was announced to be happening in 2022, but it's yet to be released.

Netflix star José De La Torre has died at the age of 37 (Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images)

Montilla Digital was the first outlet to report that De La Torre had died. The late actor hailed from the town of Montilla in Spain.

According to the publication, the actor died from an illness that had only recently been diagnosed.

De La Torre opened up in June about being diagnosed with a 'serious illness' and began treatment shortly after. He stepped away form the spotlight to focus on his health.

His final Instagram post was shared on June 3, where the 37-year-old could be seen having fun with friends in the Canary Islands.

"The happiness of arriving in the Canary Islands, seeing your friends, grab a mojito and start singing until your voice breaks," De La Torre penned alongside the snaps.

The actor was best known for starring in Spanish-language drama Toy Boy (Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images)

Tributes have been rolling in for the Toy Boy star in the wake of the news of his passing.

Spanish singer Pablo Alborán penned on social media: "I can’t believe you’re gone so soon. I’m devastated by your departure. I’m sending kisses to all of your family and friends.

"We’ll never forget you Jose. Wherever you are, I’m sure you’re wearing a Hawaiian shirt, a killer moustache, and those sunglasses like the ones we wore that day."

Another person penned on De La Torre's final Instagram page: "Fly high my friend! Another shining star lights the sky... we will see each other again!"

"So young so handsome so full of life so good actor, I can't believe it, rest in peace Jose and heaven receives you with open arms," wrote another of the actor's fans.

People have been paying tribute to the late actor (@josedelatorre___/Instagram)

Speaking of his work in Toy Boy, someone else said: "Omg such tragic news I just heard... I loved him in Toyboy."

According to the New York Post, De La Torre had only been acting for a couple of years before landing a role in the Netflix show.

While he was reasonably new to the acting world, he'd previously opened up about his long-standing love of the movies.

"From a very young age I found refuge in cinema. But not so much in acting, at least at first," he told Montilla Digital.

"I was a child who never stopped watching films, just to entertain myself and that caught my attention and planted in me the seed that would later become the desire to dedicate myself to it."