(Twitter)
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, a 21-year-old actor who made Broadway history last month, died on Friday in a tragic accident. Celebrities are now taking to Twitter to mourn the shocking loss.
Jean-Baptiste, who was cast in the Les Miserables revival fresh out of college, became an overnight sensation in July when he was the youngest and first-ever African-American actor to play Jean Valjean on the Broadway stage. Les Miserables also marked his Broadway debut, and he had been performing in the show as recently as Thursday. But on Friday, Jean-Baptiste fell from a fire escape outside an apartment building, and died from his injuries.
In a statement, the Les Miserables company says, “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.”
Tony winner Kristen Chenoweth tweeted, “RIP Kyle Jean-Baptiste. My love and hugs to his family. And the cast of @LesMiserables.” Josh Groban commented, “He was just getting started. So sad. My condolences as well to family and cast.” “#GoneTooSoon RIP #KyleJeanBaptiste,” said Frances Fisher, while Debra Messing wrote, “This is so unspeakably tragic. Thinking of his family and all who loved him.”
There will be a tribute to Jean-Baptiste at the end of Saturday’s matinee performance. Gossip Cop’s thoughts are with Jean-Baptiste’s family and friends.
