Broadway Actor Chris Peluso Dead at 40
Chis Peluso, a stage actor who performed in Mamma Mia!, Wicked, and several other other Broadway shows, has sadly died. He was just 40 years old.
Peluso passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 15, his family confirmed to Playbill. Details surrounding the cause of his death have not yet been revealed.
The late actor had an impressive portfolio of work on a variety of Broadway stages, including his role as an understudy for The Balladeer in the 2004 revival of Assassins. He also covered both Louis and Nicolas in Elton John's Lestat, as well as all three leading male roles in Beautiful The Carole King Musical: Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Don Kirshner.
Peluso was also known for playing Sky in Mamma Mia!, and he starred and covered the role of Fiyero in multiple tours of Wicked!.
He previously relocated to London, where he appeared in The Woman in White, Death Takes a Holiday and Show Boat. He also starred as Nick Arnstein in the U.K. tour of Funny Girl.
⭐ R.I.P. CHRIS PELUSO ⭐
I'm absolutely devastated to learn that actor Chris Peluso has passed away 💔
He has always held a special place in my heart, ever since I saw him star as Chris in the West End revival of Miss Saigon, which ignited my love of musical theatre ✨
Such a… pic.twitter.com/Voyw30Enpb— Theatre Fan (@ShaunTossell) August 17, 2023
Just one year before his untimely death, it was announced that Peluso would be stepping away from acting to seek treatment for a schizoaffective disorder, which is a chronic mental health condition that can affect thoughts, mood and behavior, per Rethink.org.
Since the news broke, fans and members of the Broadway community alike have been mourning Peluso's death online, including one user on X (formerly Twitter), who wrote in part, "I didn’t know Chris well but all my Show Boat friends that worked with him LOVED him dearly."
We would like to express its profound sorrow at the untimely passing of Chris Peluso, a friend and colleague.
One couldn’t ask for a more talented performer or have the honour of knowing a more lovely human being. Taken well before his time, he will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/AuoTphASj8— CharingCrossTheatre (@CharingCrossThr) August 17, 2023
The Charing Cross Theatre, where Peluso once performed, also released a statement to "express its profound sorrow at the untimely passing of Chris Peluso, a friend and colleague."
"One couldn’t ask for a more talented performer or have the honour of knowing a more lovely human being," the theater company added. "Taken well before his time, he will be deeply missed."
Peluso is survived by his wife, Jessica Gomes, their daughter Aria Li Gomes-Peluso, and their son Caio Lian Gomes-Peluso.
According to Playbill, information regarding a public memorial and celebration Peluso's life is forthcoming.
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