Looks like the lights will be dimmed on The Great White Way tonight.
Broadway actor Kyle Jean-Baptiste has died at age 21 after a tragic fall from a fire escape. Jean-Baptiste was best known as the first African-American actor to play the lead role of Jean Valjean on Broadway in Les Misérables. The sad announcement of his death was made on Facebook via the official Les Misérables page:
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.
Credit: Les Miserables Facebook page
This is an absolute tragedy, as Jean-Baptiste was clearly a talented guy in the prime of his youth. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, fans and colleagues during this unimaginably difficult time.
Rest in Peace, Kyle Jean-Baptiste.
