Kyle Jean-Baptiste, an actor best known for becoming the youngest person and the first African American to portray Jean Valjean in the stage production of Les Miserables, died on Friday in a tragic accident. He was 21 years old. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jean-Baptiste passed away after falling from his mother’s fire escape. “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,” Broadway World said in a statement Saturday. “ “We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time.” Jean-Baptiste debuted in the iconic Les Miserables role on July 23 and had just ended his run in this role on August 25. “RIP Kyle Jean-Baptiste. My love and hugs to his family. And the cast of @LesMiserables,” Tweeted Broadway veteran Kristin Chenoweth in response to the news, while Josh Groban added: “He was just getting started. So sad. My condolences as well to family and cast.” We send along ours as well.
See the article here:
Kyle Jean-Baptiste Dies; Broadway Star Was 21 Years Old
