Mexican actor Julio Aleman died from a respiratory infection after waging a long battle against lung cancer, Televisa CEO Emilio Azcarraga said. He was 78.

Aleman, who starred in such films as “El Tunco Maclovio” and “Los Hermanos de Hierro,” died on Wednesday night at a Mexico City hospital, Azcarraga said in a Twitter posting.

The actor, who was being treated at Mexico City’s National Respiratory Diseases Institute, went from being listed in serious condition to being listed in critical condition during the afternoon on Wednesday, Aleman’s son, Martin Mendez, said.

A wake will be held for Aleman at a Mexico City funeral home, Mexican media outlets reported.

The National Actors Association plans to honor the film star, who appeared in more than 200 movies and an equal number of television productions.

Aleman’s last role was in the soap opera “La Dueña” alongside actress Silvia Pinal. He worked in the stage show “Perfume de Gardenias” until a few weeks ago.