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Leandro Rud, the Argentine model manager and television host who founded a modeling agency in 1996, died on Friday, August 7, according to media confirmations from close associates including television personality Alejandra Maglietti speaking to TN Show. Rud passed away following a prolonged battle with a malignant salivary gland tumor diagnosed in 2014, which eventually metastasized to his bones and internal organs.
Agency Closure and Media Transition
The severity of the diagnosis prompted Rud to fundamentally alter his professional trajectory. According to reports detailing his career shift, he shuttered his eponymous modeling agency—which had launched and managed the careers of prominent figures such as Alejandra Maglietti, Jesica Cirio, Pamela David, and Rocío Marengo—to prioritize his health and well-being. Following his departure from the business sector, Rud transitioned into television, hosting programs on C5N and Canal 9 where he discussed current events and shared his personal experiences with cancer to support viewers facing similar diagnoses.
Medical Treatments and Lifestyle Adaptations
Due to the specific nature and progression of his illness, Rud could not consume food orally and relied on a feeding tube throughout his treatment. Documenting his journey publicly via social media to raise awareness, he incorporated wellness practices into his daily routine, including cold-water swimming, which he believed helped manage his symptoms and improve his quality of life. His medical care team included specialists such as Dr. Ramiro Heredia, Dr. Nicolás González, and Dr. Daniel Campos, alongside a personal support network consisting of his mother, sister, close friends, and six rescue dogs.
Public Advocacy and Legacy
In May prior to his passing, Rud shared photographs detailing the physical impact of the disease while encouraging others confronting severe illnesses. Having undergone treatments for cancer and participating in endurance feats like swimming the English Channel, he frequently emphasized mental resilience and maintaining a positive environment by distancing himself from negative influences. He is remembered by colleagues and loved ones for his contributions to the Argentine fashion industry and his public advocacy for cancer patients.
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