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Actor Kyle Jean-Baptiste Dies at 21

Broadway star was first to play Valjean in Les Miserables.

Actor Kyle Jean-Baptiste passed away this wekend, after falling from his mother's fire escape in Brooklyn. He was 21.
According to police, reports CBS News, it was an accident. He had just taken the stage that night for his role as Jean Valjean in the stage produciton of Les Miserables. He was the youngest and the first Black actor to play Valjean.

“The entire Les Miserable 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,” Broadway World said in a statement Saturday. “We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time."

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Jean-Baptiste was a graduate of the famed Fame school in New York, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, and attended Baldwin Wallace University, where he was first spotted by casting directors.

The actor tweeted about his last performance, the day before his passing. “Thursday is my last Valjean on broadway," he wrote. "The ability to play this part on Broadway has been life changing. I'm so greatful. @LesMizBway. I thank everyone who supported me and still does. I will never forget this experience. Onwards and upwards ;). Nothing but love.”

Our deepest condolences to Jean-Baptiste's family.

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(Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)

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