ACTING legend Enrique Rocha has died at the age of 81.

       The Mexican star - best known for playing the villain in soap operas such as The Privilege of Loving and The Ways of Love - passed away on Sunday.

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       Mexican actor Enrique Rocha has died at the age of 81 Credit: Getty 2

       The star was best known for playing the villain in 14 different shows Credit: Getty Images - Getty

       Rocha's death was confirmed by ANDI, a Mexican acting organisation.

       A statement shared on Twitter reads: "The National Association of Performers announces the sensitive death of performer partner Enrique Rocha.

       "The first actor with a recognised career in television, he is known for his villainous characters.

       "We extend our condolences to his family and friends."

       Rocha has been hailed as an "amazing actor" in tributes following his death.

       Erika Buenfill, who worked with Rocha on several projects, said: "With deep pain I learn of the sensitive death of a great lord.

       "Actor, companion, a gentleman in every sense of the word.

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       "Rest in peace."

       TV host Paty Chapoy tweeted: "I regret to report that the actor #EnriqueRocha passed away, at the age of 81.

       "Sad news in the entertainment world."

       'ONE OF THE BEST'

       One fan added: "Can't believe Enrique Rocha just died. He was talented!

       "Amazing actor! One of the best actors who play villains very well.

       "The actors from this generation should take notes from the characters he played in Telenovelas."

       The actor's cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but one of his employees óscar Espejel told El Universal it was "natural".

       "The man was in very good health, he had no antecedent, everything happened very quickly and naturally," he told the outlet.

       Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, on January 5, 1940, Rocha began his career in the soap opera La mentira in 1965.

       Rocha was famed for portraying villains in at least 14 different shows - his last being in I Declare Guilty in 2018.

       The star won the TVyNovelas Award for Best Villain in 1999 and 2003.

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