Chris Peluso, an actor and singer known for his theater work includingMamma Mia!onBroadway, has died at 40.
Peluso’s alma mater, the University of Michigan, alsoposted a tribute to the late staron its musical-theatre department’s Instagram page.
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
“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,” wrote Linda Goodrich, interim chair of the school’s musical-theatre department.
Goodrich summarized some of Peluso’s notable roles, including on Broadway inAssassins(his Great White Way debut),Lestat, The Glorious OnesandBeautiful: The Carole King Musical. He also played Sky inMamma Mia!on Broadway in 2008, and had a touring turn as Fiyero inWicked.
“Our hearts go out to his family,” Goodrich added.
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“I learned so much from his kindness & professionalism 🤍 I am sending so much love to all who walked closely with him 🕊️,” wrote fellow Broadway star Desi Oakley.
Aside from the aforementioned U.S.-based shows, Peluso appeared in London productions ofShow Boat, Miss Saigon,The Woman in WhiteandDeath Takes a Holiday, perPlaybill.com, as well as a U.K. tour ofFunny Girl. He also performed in productions ofWest Side StoryandLes Misérables,as Tony and Marius, respectively.
According toa bio for Pelusoon the Artists and Beyond website, he was additionally pursuing a master’s degree in therapeutic counseling, in part “to help students navigate the anxieties inherent in a career in the arts.”
Zoe Doano and Chris Peluso perform inDeath Takes a Holidayon Jan. 23, 2017, in London.Alastair Muir/Shutterstock
Alastair Muir/Shutterstock
Last September,a GoFundMe was startedon behalf of Peluso, asking for contributions for mental-health treatment amid a previous diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder that “resulted in Chris experiencing debilitating paranoia, which has kept him from performing in recent years.”
In a November update to the GoFundMe, which raised more than $25,000 before donations were paused, Peluso wrote that he had completed treatment and was “stable and doing well.”
“I’m able to hold down a job again and even began taping some auditions,” he added. “It’s going to be a life long process of going to therapy and working with doctors but I’m so much better than I was before treatment. It really means the world to me to have such incredible support from you all. None of this progress would have been possible without you.”
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
