Emerging Broadway star Kyle Jean-Baptiste died yesterday evening (Aug. 28) after accidentally falling from a fire escape, Playbill.com reports.
According to BroadwayWorld.com, the accident took place at his mother’s home.
Jean-Baptiste made history last month when he took the Broadway stage to play the iconic role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. He was both the first African American and youngest person to play the role.
The tragedy occurred after Jean-Baptiste’s final evening performance.
The cast and crew of Les Misérables released the following statement:
“The entire Les Misérables family is shocked and devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Kyle, a remarkable young talent and tremendous person who made magic — and history — in his Broadway debut. We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time.”
Jean-Baptiste recently graduated from Baldwin Wallace University. Les Misérables was his first Broadway role.
According to Cleveland.com, Jean-Baptiste caught the eyes of Les Misérables casting directors when they attended his senior showcase. Jean-Baptiste sang John Legend and Common’s “Glory,” an Academy Award-winning song from Selma.
He was excited about his new role, taking to Twitter to express his joy:
This is an indescribable loss. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the entire theater community.
Watch Jean-Baptiste perform “The Confrontation” with actor Brady Love below. Broadway World has also compiled videos of Jean-Baptiste’s performances. Watch them here.
SOURCE: Cleveland, BroadwayWorld, PlayBill | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
History-Making Broadway Star Kyle Jean-Baptiste Dies In Tragic Accident was originally published on newsone.com
