Kyle Jean-Baptiste facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kyle Jean-Baptiste
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Jean-Baptiste in costume as Courfeyrac from Les Misérables in June 2015
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| Born | December 3, 1993 |
| Died | August 29, 2015 (aged 21) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Injuries sustained in a fall from a fire escape |
| Alma mater | Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School Baldwin Wallace University |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2015 |
| Known for | First black actor to play Jean Valjean in Les Misérables on Broadway |
Kyle Jean-Baptiste (December 3, 1993 – August 29, 2015) was a talented American actor. He made history on Broadway by becoming the youngest person and the first black actor to play the main role of Jean Valjean in the famous musical Les Misérables.
He was also set to join the cast of another musical, The Color Purple. Kyle passed away on August 29, 2015, after an accidental fall in Brooklyn, New York. This was just a day after leaving Les Misérables. Today, scholarships in his name help other young performers at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School and Baldwin Wallace University.
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Kyle's Early Life and Education
Kyle Jean-Baptiste was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 3, 1993. His parents were from Haiti and Guyana. He lived in Canarsie, Brooklyn, with his parents and two sisters, Kelsey and Keely. Kyle loved performing from a young age. He first discovered his passion for the stage at P.S. 276 in Brooklyn.
He later attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. This school is famous for its arts programs. After high school, Kyle went to Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. He studied acting and singing there. During his time at university, he learned from many great teachers.
Kyle's Acting Career
Kyle performed in many plays and musicals while he was still a student. Some of these included Carousel and Les Misérables. He even played the role of Javert in a production of Les Misérables at The New London Barn Playhouse.
He also acted in regional shows like Singin' in the Rain and The Music Man. In 2014, he played Enjolras in a production of Les Misérables at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.
Broadway Debut in Les Misérables
Kyle joined the Broadway cast of Les Misérables on June 23, 2015. He played the roles of Courfeyrac and the Constable. He was also the understudy for the main character, Jean Valjean. An understudy is an actor who learns a role so they can perform it if the main actor is unable to.
On July 23, 2015, Kyle got his chance to play Jean Valjean. He stepped in for the lead actor, Ramin Karimloo, who was on vacation. This was a very special moment. Kyle became the first black actor and the youngest actor ever to play Jean Valjean on Broadway. His last performance in the show was on August 27, 2015.
Before his passing, Kyle had shared a message with his fans. He thanked everyone for their support and said he would never forget the experience. He was looking forward to new opportunities.
Future Plans
Kyle was planning to appear in another Broadway musical. He was set to join the cast of The Color Purple later in 2015. He would have performed alongside famous actors like Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson.
Kyle's Passing
Kyle Jean-Baptiste passed away on August 29, 2015. He was only 21 years old. His death was ruled an accident. He had attended a concert with a friend earlier that evening. The night before, he had performed his final show in Les Misérables.
Remembering Kyle
Many people remembered Kyle after his passing. A memorial was held at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. About 200 friends and family attended. On September 1, 2015, the lights were dimmed at the Imperial Theatre, where Les Misérables was playing. The lights were also dimmed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and Cleveland's Playhouse Square to honor him.
Many famous entertainers shared their sadness. These included Kristin Chenoweth, Debra Messing, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. His university, Baldwin Wallace, also shared how sad they were to lose one of their students. Kyle's Facebook page remains as a memorial.
Three scholarships were created in his name. These scholarships help students at Baldwin Wallace University, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, and PS 276 Louis Marshall School. The Kyle Jean-Baptiste Foundation, Inc. was also formed in 2016 to continue his legacy.
See also
In Spanish: Kyle Jean-Baptiste para niños
