Lion King star Clifton Oliver who acted in Broadway shows Wicked and In The Heights dies aged 47 after long illness
LION King and Wicked actor Clifton Oliver has died aged 47.
The veteran Broadway star had been battling a long illness and was living in a hospice up until his death on Wednesday, his family have revealed.
The late actor’s sister, Roxy Hall, shared that he had been hospitalised for an undisclosed, but prolonged illness and had spent his last six weeks in a hospice.
In an emotional Facebook post, she said: “My baby brother, Clifton Oliver, has had his final curtain call.
“His partner Richard was singing to him the song Psalm 23 as he took his last breath this morning at 3:20 AM.
“He had a Gorgeous smile on his Beautiful face!! He went twirling into the afterlife ready to make his Grand Appearance as the Star of his Homecoming Celebration!
“My heart is sad, and overjoyed at the same time! I will miss him, but he is finally at peace,” Hall continued.
“He lives within all of us.”
Oliver began his hit stage career soon after moving to New York City in 2010 to pursue theatre.
He was a member of Wicked’s ensemble before being cast in The Heights as Benny.
His big break came in 2011 when he was cast as Simba in Broadway’s adaption of The Lion King.
Oliver continued his role in the show’s Las Vegas run and then during a national US tour.
His other threatre credits include Miracle Brothers, Dreamgirls, Motown the Musical and Kinky Boots.