We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Kyle Jean-Baptiste. Kyle had an accident at home, falling off of his mother’s fire escape. He was just 21 years old.
As we previously reported, Kyle Jean-Baptiste had just finished college when he landed the role as an understudy of the lead, Jean Valjean, in the long running musical, Les Miserables. Acknowledging his tremendous talent, Kyle also starred in the lead role, becoming not only the youngest actor to play the role on Broadway, but also the first Black actor to do so. Kyle completed his run as Jean Valjean just one day before he died. He was leaving Broadway’s Les Miz to join The Color Purple revival starring Jennifer Hudson.
Kyle’s energy was infectious. You could feel it in his tweets. It was obvious he was on top of the world and yet very humble to be there. And who couldn’t adore his sense of humor?
Valjean or valhunk ;). @LesMizBway @BroadwayBlack @understudies #blackvaljean pic.twitter.com/qyGb0b7mA1
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) August 1, 2015
We mourn with the rest of the theatre community, especially his fellow actors in Les Mis, and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Kyle Jean-Baptiste will be sorely missed.
I’m really going to miss you Kyle. My heart is broken. We fight for you now.❤️ https://t.co/tuWiPlbjRe
— Wallace Smith (@WallaceSmith007) August 29, 2015
Thank you, Kyle! For your talent and your amazing spirit. You are and will forever be Broadway Black!
Today I go on as my dream role. No words. Guna remember this night @BroadwayBlack @LesMizBway @understudies #blackvaljean @lesmisofficial
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) July 23, 2015
Listen to his amazing voice sing the ballad Bring Him Home from his time as Jean Valjean in the Broadway musical Les Miserables.
