Marcos Loya, the musician and composer who appeared alongside Madonna in her iconic 1987 music video for 'La Isla Bonita', has died. No official cause of death has been disclosed, but the star had faced significant hardship in recent years, including a period of homelessness during which he slept in his car.
His health deteriorated over the past two years, prompting a benefit concert on 7 April 2024 to cover his medical expenses. Photographs from his birthday last September showed him frail and in a wheelchair.
The news was announced by Pop star! magazine founder Matthew Rettenmund on Facebook, who shared a tribute alongside images from the video. Nearly 20 years ago, Loya recalled his audition for the role, saying Madonna initially sought an older actor but later changed direction. He described meeting her as 'young and very beautiful' and said they jammed together before she confirmed he had the part.
Tributes have poured in, with Madonna impersonator Denise Bella Vlasis calling him 'a master musician and a gift to the music industry'. Another mourner wrote: 'He suffered a lot the last few years and I'm glad he will now be at peace.'
