Saturday, August 29, 2015

Kyle Jean-Baptiste, 1st African-American actor to play Valjean on Broadway, dies at 21


Kyle Jean-Baptiste, the first African-American and youngest person to ever play the role of Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" on Broadway has died after falling from a fire escape, according to a show spokesman. He was 21.

Jean-Baptiste died Friday night following the show's evening performance at the Imperial Theatre, said representative Marc Thibodeau.

"The entire 'Les Miserables' 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," a statement from the production reads.

The actor was an ensemble member of the company and an understudy for Valjean, going onstage as the ex-convict in a history-making appearance July 23. His last performance in the role was Thursday.

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