Cindyana Santangelo, an actress who is most well known for roles she played in the hit sitcom “Married… With Children” and the medical drama “ER,” has passed away at the age of 59. Medical services responded to a call in Malibu, California on Monday at 7:15 pm, according to a release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The actress was then transported to the hospital right away, where she was then pronounced dead. Officials looking into her death revealed that Santangelo had been given cosmetic shots at home. The sheriff’s department has opened an investigation and is waiting to receive the results of her autopsy.
However, as of this writing, no foul play is suspected.
According to the NY Post, Santangelo’s big break happened in 1989 after she was cast in a music video for “Bust a Move” by Young MC:
“The following year, her voice was featured in the beginning of Jane’s Addiction’s hit song “Stop.” The band’s lead vocalist, Perry Farrell, later called Santangelo “the Latin Marilyn Monroe” in an interview with Spin Magazine. She later dabbled in TV work, going on to secure the role of Sierra Madre on “Married…With Children,” before appearing on “CSI: Miami” and “ER.”
She made her film debut in 1990 when she was cast in “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane,” playing a corpse named Lydia. In 2003, Santangelo worked alongside Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett in the Hollywood comedy “Homicide.” The Manhattan native grew up on the West Coast after leaving the Big Apple at a young age.”
Later on, Santangelo received a scholarship for London’s Strasberg School at 19. She also attended the Tisch School of Arts and USC’s School of Cinema and Television. Just a month ago, Santangelo created a post on Instagram celebrating her son, Dante, who turned 20.
“These to [sic] Goonies mean everything so amazing young Men sweethearts smart & Gorgeous,” she said in the caption of a photo of her two sons. Many of the actress’s fans and loved ones have written tributes to her on social media following the news of her death.
“My heart aches as I write this. I’m still in shock and disbelief. How can you be gone???,” One of Santangelo’s longtime friends stated on Instagram.
“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,” she continued in the post.
Prayers for Santangelo’s family in this difficult time of loss.
Sure! Here’s a complete biography of Cindyana Santangelo:
Cindyana Santangelo (1967 – 2025)
Actress | Dancer | Model | Philanthropist
Cindyana Santangelo, born Cindy Lehrer in 1967 in New York City, was a multifaceted American actress, dancer, model, fashion designer, and philanthropist. Of Puerto Rican, Italian, and Hungarian descent, she brought a vibrant and diverse presence to the entertainment world, celebrated for her bold style, strong spirit, and contributions both on and off-screen.
Early Life and Education
Raised on the West Coast, Cindyana showed an early passion for the performing arts. At age 19, she moved to London to study acting, later continuing her education at the prestigious USC School of Cinema and Television and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Her diverse background and creative energy helped shape a career that crossed multiple disciplines.
Breakthrough and Career
Santangelo first gained attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a dancer, appearing in several high-profile music videos. She was especially remembered for:
- Young MC’s “Bust a Move” (1989) – where she wore iconic “STOP” hot pants.
- Jane’s Addiction’s “Stop” (1990) – delivering the fiery Spanish intro.
Her distinctive look and presence helped bring multi-ethnic beauty into the spotlight during a time when mainstream media lacked representation.
Transitioning to acting, she earned notable roles in television and film:
Television
- “Married… with Children” – Played Sierra Madre, a dancer at the Jiggly Room.
- “ER”
- “CSI: Miami”
Film
- “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane” (1990) – as Lydia
- “Hollywood Homicide” (2003) – alongside Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett
She also worked in modeling and fashion design and became known in industry circles for her creative direction and sharp eye for aesthetics.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Beyond her entertainment career, Cindyana was a dedicated philanthropist. She served as the director and chief executive of Mermaids Cove Malibu, a luxury sober living facility exclusively for women. Through this work, she passionately supported addiction recovery and women’s mental health.
She was married to Frank Santangelo for 24 years, and they had two sons, Dante and Lucci.
Death
On March 25, 2025, Cindyana tragically passed away at the age of 58 in Malibu, California. Authorities responded to a medical emergency at her residence. Though the official cause of death is pending autopsy results, her sudden passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike.
Legacy
Cindyana Santangelo is remembered not only for her talent and striking on-screen presence but also for her fierce independence, humanitarian work, and unapologetic authenticity. She broke ground for Latinas and multi-ethnic women in Hollywood, and her influence continues to inspire artists and activists across generations.