Leon Ichaso, ‘El Cantante’ and ‘Bitter Sugar’ Director, Dies at 74

Leon Ichaso, who directed the Hctor Lavoe biopic El Cantante, Bitter Sugar and several major TV series, died of a heart attack Monday morning in Los Angeles. He was 74.

Ichasos sister, Mari Rodriquez Ichaso confirmed the news, writing on Twitter: My beloved brother Leon Ichaso died today of an unexpected massive heart attack in Los Angeles. Brilliant, full of life, young in spirit and illusions. A wonderful filmmaker and a unique being and everyone who has met him knows it. I am destroyed. God help us!

Mi adorado hermano Leon Ichaso murió hoy de un inesperado “massive heart attack” en Los Ángeles. Brillante, lleno de vida, juventud de espíritu e ilusiones. Cineasta maravilloso y un ser único -y todos los que lo han conocido lo saben. Yo estoy destrozada. Dios nos ayude! pic.twitter.com/GdEcM7cMnE

Mari Rodriguez Ichaso (@marichaso) May 22, 2023 Mari Rodriquez Ichaso eulogized her brother in her initial announcement, recognizing all of the productions Leon has worked on throughout his prolific career. Leon Ichaso RIP Pioneer of telling the history of immigrants in his movies! A brilliant director and writer. Loved Life. My beloved brother! El Cantante, Piero, El Super, Sugar Hill, Paraso, Bitter Sugar, East of Eden, Miami Vice, Queen of the South. Damn sudden heart attack!

Leon Ichaso- RIP- Pioneer of telling the history of immigrants in his movies! A brilliant director writer. Loved Life. My beloved brother! El Cantante, Piñero, El Super, Sugar Hill, Paraíso, Bitter Sugar, East of Eden, Miami Vice, Queen of the South. Damn sudden heart attack! pic.twitter.com/L2IJHCmO8e

Mari Rodriguez Ichaso (@marichaso) May 22, 2023 The Cuban American filmmaker directed dozens of TV series, including Miami Vice, The Equalizer, Sins of the City Medium, The Cleaner, Criminal Minds, Prodigal Son and most recently Queen of the South in 2021.

Ichaso also directed over 15 films, including TV movies Hendrix, Ali: An American Hero, Execution of Justice and Free of Eden, as well as various Spanish language features, including his Cuban trilogy: El Super, Bitter Sugar and Paraso.

His 2001 Miguel Piero biopic Piero garnered him awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, ALMA Awards and the Chamizal Independent Film Festival. In 2006, he directed Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez in El Cantante.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Ichaso and his family migrated to Mexico in 1962, and then later to New York.

Ichaso is survived by his sister, Mari Rodriquez Ichaso.