Kyle Jean-Baptiste, who made history by becoming the first African-American and the youngest actor to play the lead role in the Broadway musical "Les Miserables," died Friday night in New York at the age of 21.
March Thibodeau, a spokesman for the show, said Jean-Baptiste fell to his death from a fire escape after Friday evening's performance of the musical.
"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," the production said, CNN reported. "We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time."
Jean-Baptiste portrayed the role of Jean Valjean, going onstage as the ex-convict in a history-making appearance on July 23. When he was not playing Valjean, Jean-Baptiste played the roles of Constable and Courfeyrac in the production. His understudy spot as Valjean ended on Thursday, according to NBC News.
The actor sent out a tweet on the night he made his debut as Valjean, writing, "Today I go on as my dream role. No words. Guna remember this night." Later, he wrote, "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."
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
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
