Broadway Star Chris Peluso Dead At 40

Broadway actor Chris Peluso has died at 40 years old. The actor famously starred in numerous successful stage productions in both New York City and London. Playbill confirmed that the actor had recently stepped away from his professional endeavors to seek treatment for his schizoaffective disorder.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Chris Peluso and Gina Beck bow at the curtain call during the press night performance of “Show Boat” at The New London Theatre, Drury Lane, on April 25, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The actor’s acclaimed Broadway career began in 2004 when he worked as an understudy on the Tony-winning “Assassins”. He went on to take roles as Marius in “Les Miserables” and as Tony in “West Side Story” on national tours.

Peluso later played both Louis and Nicolas in Elton John‘s Lestat, and all three leading male roles in “Beautiful The Carole King Musical”: Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Don Kirshner. He also played Sky in “Mamma Mia!” on tour, and he both starred and covered the role of Fiyero in multiple tours of “Wicked.”

Following his successful stage career in New York City, the actor relocated to London, England, where he starred in a number of shows in the city’s prestigious West End. Some roles included in “The Woman in White,” “Death Takes a Holiday”, and “Show Boat”, as well as starring as Chris in the revival of “Miss Saigon”.

Public Reaction

The actor’s alma mater, the University of Michigan, shared a tribute to the late actor. Peluso attended the university’s musical theater program. The statement began, “The Michigan Musical Theatre family is heartbroken as we announce the passing of our dear family member/alum, the loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted Chris Peluso… Our hearts go out to his family.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by U-M Musical Theatre (@umichmusicaltheatre)

Several of Peluso’s former costars commented on the memorial post, sharing their positive experiences with the late actor. Broadway star Desi Oakley wrote, “I learned so much from his kindness & professionalism,” adding “I am sending so much love to all who walked closely with him.”

The ensemble cast featuring Anne L. Nathan, Mitchell Sink, Eamon Foley, Becky Ann Baker, Jeffrey Kuhn, Alexander Gemignani, Mario Cantone, Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Cerveris, James Barbour, Annaleigh Ashford, Denis O'Hare, Marc Kudisch, Sally Wilfert, Merwin Foard, Ken Krugman & Chris Peluso during the Roundabout Theatre Company's One Night Only Benefit of 'Assassins' at Studio 54 in New York City. December 3, 2012. — The ensemble cast featuring Anne L. Nathan, Mitchell Sink, Eamon Foley, Becky Ann Baker, Jeffrey Kuhn, Alexander Gemignani, Mario Cantone, Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Cerveris, James Barbour, Annaleigh Ashford, Denis O’Hare, Marc Kudisch, Sally Wilfert, Merwin Foard, Ken Krugman & Chris Peluso during the Roundabout Theatre Company’s One Night Only Benefit of ‘Assassins’ at Studio 54 in New York City. December 3, 2012. (Photo by Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty Images)

“SEAL Team” actor Toni Trucks wrote, “This is devastating. I only have wonderful memories of Chris. I am holding tight to all of the light he shared. So kind. So funny. So giving. So talented and loving.”

Peluso is survived by his wife Jessica Gomes and their two children.