A young actor who made history as the first African-American to play the lead in a Broadway production of Les Miserables has died in tragic circumstances.
Kyle Jean-Baptiste, 21, lost his life on Friday night in New York after falling from a fire escape.
Jean-Baptiste made his Broadway debut in the revival of the beloved musical on the Great White Way.
He played the roles of the constable and Courfeyrac as well as understudy for the role of Jean Valjean. On July 23d, he played the lead for the first time. He was also the youngest actor to fill the role in a Broadway production.
Speaking on Twitter after the show, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play his “dream role”.
Thank you for all the love ! Last night was one of the best nights of my life. Thanks to all who came. C U at the barricade @LesMizBway
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) July 24, 2015
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
A statement from the Broadway production read: “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.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og7lqYmuEmw
In many supportive messages at the time of his debut, he was nicknamed “Black ValJean”
RED:THE BLOOD OF ANGRY MEN BLACK:OUR BWAY JEAN VALJEAN RED:MAKE HISTORY AGAIN BLACK:THE BARRICADE LIVES ON Congrats! https://t.co/aQPbWiAMUD
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 23, 2015
Jean-Baptiste joined the Broadway cast in May, one day after graduating from Baldwin Wallace University.
