Renowned writer and producer Manny Coto (24, American Horror Story) has passed away at 62. Coto spent much of his life working on popular series and inspiring others. He won an Emmy for the series 24 in 2006. In 2011, he was nominated for another Emmy for the series Dexter, which he was the executive producer for. Other series he worked on included 24: Legacy, Odyssey 5, Strange World, Next, American Horror Stories, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Star Trek: Enterprise was a particularly exciting opportunity for Coto due to his love of Star Trek.
As The Hollywood Reporter notes, Coto passed away from pancreatic cancer in his home in Pasadena.
His family spoke out about Coto, stating “His love of Star Trek permeated his life and his worldview. In addition to being well-known for a spot-on William Shatner impression that left his writing staffs in stitches, he believed in the promise of the future and the boundless potential of mankind.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Coto’s younger brother named Juan Carlos Coto (Nikita, 9-1-1) stated on Instagram, “I started as a PA on his Super-8s. He was my inspiration and my guiding light — in the craft, and in life. I have lost a brother and a best friend.”
He was also a huge inspiration to screenwriter Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River). Helgeland wrote a tribute to Coto on Deadline.
In this tribute, Helgeland recalls meeting and writing with Coto. He stated on Deadline, “When I met Manny, a bigger world was born for us both, a world we could navigate together and start to get our hands around. We realized something invaluable; we could control things with our writing.”
He continued, “Manny was a comrade and a boon companion. Striving with him made the impossible seem conquerable. Because our friendship made it so much damn fun. I’ve laughed more with Manny than with anyone else I’ve ever known. He’s the godfather of my sons. His death has left a hole in my heart that will never be filled, nor do I want it to be. I would stand alongside Manny anywhere. Ride or die. And as far as the dying goes, it may take the one you love, but it doesn’t take the love.”
Coto will be incredibly missed by fans, friends, and family.