'90s Sitcom Star Dies at 58, Homicide Investigation Launched
When a familiar face from the golden age of sitcoms disappears, it hits a little different — especially when the circumstances are still unclear.
On Tuesday, March 25, TMZ reported that actress Cindyana Santangelo, best known for her role as Sierra Madre — a dancer at The Jiggly Room on the hit sitcom Married… with Children, had died at age 58.
According to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department obtained by KTLA News, first responders arrived around 7:15 p.m. following a medical emergency call on Westlake Boulevard. The sitcom star was found at the scene and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
An official cause of death has not been confirmed, and an autopsy is pending. However, homicide investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding her passing — a standard step when the cause is unknown.
Shortly after the news broke online, it didn't take long for reactions to start rolling in.
'Sad loss—rest in peace, Cindyana Santangelo 🕊️💔,' one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
'That's too young,' another pointed out.
'Her absence will surely be felt by those who loved her. 💔 Talent like hers deserves to shine forever ✨,' someone else added.
But it wasn't just fans mourning the loss — Santangelo's close friend, Cynthia Banuelos, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
'My heart aches as I write this. I'm still in shock and disbelief. How can you be gone?' Banuelos wrote in a joint post with the CSI: Miami star. 'I will feel your presence in every crashing wave, every salty breeze, and every shimmering reflection of the sun on the ocean's surface. You were my best friend, my wifey, my kindred spirit. The most gorgeous mermaid in human form. Forever drawn to the sea.'
Santangelo is survived by her husband, Frank Santangelo, whom she married in 2001, and their two sons, Dante and Lucci.
To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.
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