Kyle Jean-Baptiste: ‘Les Miserables’ Actor Dead After Fall From Fire Escape
Kyle Jean-Baptiste made history this summer when he became the first black actor to play Jean Valjean in the Broadway production of Les Miserables. Not only was Jean-Baptiste the first black actor to do so, but he was also the youngest at just 21-years-old.
News of Kyle Jean-Baptiste’s death Friday rocked the theater world after reports indicated that Jean-Baptiste died after a fall from a fire escape at his mother’s house.
Shortly after news of his death became public, his theater company released the following statement.
“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.”
In addition to playing Jean Valjean, Jean-Baptiste also played Constable and Courfeyrac.
Jean-Baptiste performed as Jean Valjean for the final time on Thursday, before which he took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the opportunity to play the part.
Thursday is my last Valjean on broadway. The ability to play this part on Broadway has been life changing. I’m so greatful. @LesMizBway
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) August 25, 2015
I thank everyone who supported me and still does. I will never forget this experience. Onwards and upwards ;). Nothing but love @LesMizBway
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) August 25, 2015
Later, Jean-Baptiste retweeted photos and videos that showed him in the role of Valjean.
@BaptisteKyle making history as the the FIRST African American Jean Valjean in Bway history! @LesMizBway pic.twitter.com/d33VmVrh04
— Andrew John Howell (@andrewjhowellny) August 28, 2015
https://t.co/Vqp7IuQqht A million thanks to @BaptisteKyle for singing The Confrontation with me last night after his final show as Valjean!
— Brady Love (@bradyloveactor) August 28, 2015
According to his Facebook account, Kyle Jean-Baptiste was supposed to continue as part of the cast for Les Miserables until September 6. On Tuesday, he wrote about staying with the company.
“The experiences and the things I have learned, while a part of this cast, are invaluable and will never be forgotten. I have grown as a performer and as an individual. I am grateful that the creative team trusted me and continued to push me to achieve my potential throughout the entire process that is Les Miserables. With that said, thank you for your support. Hope to see you on August 27th. All my love…my journey continues…”
According to Heavy.com, Kyle Jean-Baptiste graduated from Baldwin Wallace University earlier this year with a degree in music theater.
Find out more about Kyle Jean-Baptiste’s history-making role in the video below:
[Photo courtesy of Kyle Jean-Baptiste’s Instagram account.]
