Actress Cindyana Santangelo, Known for ‘Married… With Children,’ Passes Away at 58
Cindyana Santangelo, the actress celebrated for her portrayal of Sierra Madre in the popular television series Married… With Children, has died at the age of 58. News of the Hollywood Homicide performer’s death emerged after she was transported to a hospital from her Malibu home following a reported medical emergency.
Sudden Passing in Malibu
Emergency responders were called to Santangelo’s residence in Malibu on Monday afternoon following a call for medical assistance, as reported by TMZ. Upon arrival, the actress was promptly taken to a medical facility. Sadly, she was declared dead shortly thereafter. The specific cause of death remains undetermined at this time.
Investigation Underway
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Division is currently investigating Santangelo’s death. This action follows reports indicating that deputies discovered she had recently received ‘cosmetic shots’ at her home, according to sources. While authorities have stated there is no immediate suspicion of foul play, they are awaiting the results of an autopsy to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding her passing.
Remembering Cindyana Santangelo’s Career
Role in ‘Married… With Children’
Santangelo is most recognized for her recurring role in Married… With Children. She played Sierra Madre, an exotic dancer at “The Jiggly Room,” a strip club famously frequented by Al Bundy, portrayed by Ed O’Neill, and his friends in the sitcom.
Memorable Episode
In a notable 1996 episode titled “The Agony And The Extra C,” Santangelo’s character, Sierra Madre, captivated patrons of The Jiggly Room by revealing a birthday gift for her boyfriend – a tattoo of his name in a private area. This romantic gesture inspired Jefferson, played by Ted McGinley, to attempt a similar tattoo tribute to his wife Marcy, played by Amanda Bearse, leading to comical outcomes.
Other Notable Roles
Beyond her iconic sitcom role, Cindyana Santangelo also appeared in the film Hollywood Homicide, starring Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett.
‘Latin Marilyn Monroe’
Singer Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction famously dubbed Santangelo ‘the Latin Marilyn Monroe’ in a Spin Magazine interview, a nickname that resonated with her image and persona.
Music Video Appearances and Voice Work
Santangelo’s career extended to music videos. She featured in Young MC’s popular 1989 music video “Bust A Move.” In 1990, her voice was also notably used at the beginning of Jane’s Addiction’s song “Stop.”
Early Career and Background
Film and Television Debut
Cindyana Santangelo made her feature film debut in 1990 in The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, where she played the role of Lydia, a corpse, as per iMDB.
Television Guest Appearances
Additionally, she made appearances in popular television series such as CSI: Miami, ER, and The Bo-Bo & Skippy Show.
Early Life and Education
Born in Manhattan, New York City, Cindyana Santangelo spent her formative years on the West Coast. Showing early promise, she received a scholarship to study at the Lee Strasberg School in London at the age of 19, according to iMDB. Furthering her education, Santangelo attended NYU’s Tisch School of Arts and USC’s School of Cinema and Television.
Family Life
Cindyana Santangelo is survived by her two sons. Last month, she celebrated her son Dante’s 20th birthday, sharing a photo of her children on Instagram with the caption: “These to Goonie’s mean everything to me so amazing young Men.”