Rest In Peace to this young gifted and talented young man.
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, who made history as the first black actor to play Jean Valjean in a Broadway production of “Les Misérables,” died early Saturday after falling off of a fire escape. He was 21.
The company of “Les Mis” released the following statement on Jean-Baptiste’s death:
“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.”
According to [ NBC NEWS ]
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, who made history as the first black actor to play Jean Valjean in a Broadway production of “Les Misérables,” died early Saturday after falling off of a fire escape. He was 21.
Jean-Baptiste fell from his mother’s fourth-floor fire escape in Brooklyn at about 4 a.m. Saturday and died in the hospital, police told NBC New York. Police said he slipped and fell, and it appears to have been an accident. Jean-Baptiste was on the fire escape with a 23-year-old woman when he fell, police said.
This summer, the 21-year-old became the youngest and first black actor to play the role of Valjean in “Les Misérables.” His understudy spot as Valjean ended on Thursday.
Jean-Baptiste called the opportunity his “dream role.” The night he debuted as Valjean, he wrote on Twitter, “Guna remember this night.” When he wasn’t performing as Valjean, Jean-Baptiste was an ensemble member of the cast and often played Constable and Courfeyrac.
Kyle Jean-Baptiste was the son of Serge Jean-Baptiste and nephew of Marie Jean-Baptise. He had a sister Kelsey, with whom he was close. Kyle attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, where he was acquainted with American actor Ansel Elgort. The two appeared together in a high-school performance of Hairspray.
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
