All American, a show that has captivated audiences since its premiere on October 10, 2018, has bid farewell to several beloved characters over the years. Among them was Coach Montes, portrayed by Kamar de los Reyes. As the series approaches its seventh season, set to debut in early 2025, it’s important to reflect on the impact of these characters, especially as changes in the cast have significantly shaped the narrative, including the notable departure of Spencer James actor Daniel Ezra.
Coach Montes made his first appearance in All American in season 4 as the head football coach at Coastal California College. His character left a lasting impression, largely due to his mentoring relationship with Asher Adams (Cody Christian). Unfortunately, Montes’ storyline was cut short due to a personal tragedy that occurred off-screen, impacting both the character and the broader series.
Understanding the Loss of Coach Montes: Kamar de los Reyes’ Tragic Passing
A Life Cut Short: Cancer Claims Kamar de los Reyes at 56
Kamar de los Reyes, born on November 8, 1967, joined the All American family in season 4, bringing depth and charisma to the series. Tragically, he passed away on December 24, 2023, after a battle with cancer, at the age of 56. His untimely death occurred during the filming of season 6, leaving behind a grieving family consisting of his wife and three children.
In response to his passing, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, the executive producer and showrunner of All American, expressed profound sorrow, stating:
We are absolutely devastated at the loss of Kamar. He was such a beloved member of our
All American
family. He brought so much love, light and joy to the set every day, even during his final days. We are so grateful for every moment he spent with us. Our hearts and sincere condolences are with Sherri, Caylen, Michael, John and the rest of Kamar’s family. Thank you for sharing him so generously with us and with the rest of the world. He truly was a gift. One we will cherish forever.
Cody Christian, who played Asher Adams, shared a moving tribute on Instagram that highlighted the close bond he had with de los Reyes, reflecting the depth of their connection both on and off-screen.
A Heartfelt Sendoff for Coach Montes
A New Chapter: Montes Joins the NFL in Season 6
Despite Kamar de los Reyes’ passing during filming, the writing team of All American opted for a dignified farewell for Coach Montes. Rather than hastily concluding the character’s arc, the show creators chose to honor him creatively.
In season 6, episode 10, titled “Mass Appeal,”the narrative revealed that Coach Montes had accepted an NFL coaching position. This major plot development, while sudden, allowed the character to exit on a high note, culminating in a brief yet poignant phone call with Asher Adams, where he shared his exciting news. The culmination of Montes’ character arc came in episode 13, “Victory Lap,”where it was revealed that he had led his team to a Super Bowl victory, preceding a heartfelt tribute that honored his legacy on the show.
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