Kyle Jean-Baptiste, the first African-American actor to portray Jean Valjean from ‘Les Misérables’ on Broadway died on Friday, Aug. 28. The 21-year-old actor passed away after falling from a fire escape late Friday night. His final performance was on Thursday.
“Thursday is my last Valjean on broadway. The ability to play this part on Broadway has been life changing. I’m so greatful,” tweeted Jean-Baptiste on Tuesday. “@LesMizBway. I thank everyone who supported me and still does. I will never forget this experience. Onwards and upwards ;). Nothing but love.”
‘The Fault in Our Stars’ actor Ansel Elgort was a high school friend of Jean-Baptiste. He tweeted about the news and honored the memory of his friend.
“I played opposite Kyle Jean-Baptiste in hairspray in high school at Laguardia. What I remember most above his talent was his warmth,” tweeted Elgort.
“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,” stated Les Miserables Broadway on Saturday afternoon. “We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time.”
Jean-Baptiste was the youngest actor to portray Jean Valjean on Broadway. Cleveland.com reported that Jean-Baptiste was scouted for the role during his senior year at Baldwin Wallace University.
“I did not immediately think of it as making history. This was my dream since I was a little boy,” said Jean-Baptiste to Playbill. “This incredible team of creatives presented an opportunity to play a part I have dreamed of playing since I was introduced to theatre, and I am forever grateful. I felt a huge amount of responsibility to do right by them and to honor this iconic material."
