Clifton Oliver, a Broadway actor best remembered for portraying Simba in “The Lion King,” passed away at the age of 47.
The actor passed away early on Wednesday morning, according to Roxy Hall, his sister.
According to a Facebook post by Hall, “His partner Richard, sang to him the song Psalm 23 as he took his final breath this morning at 3:20 AM.” “He had the most amazing smile on his stunning face! He went spinning into the afterlife eager to make his great entry as the star of his homecoming party!”
Oliver died for mysterious reasons, but Hall claims that he spent the last six weeks of his life receiving medical attention and hospice care.
On Instagram, the Broadway production honored the actor.
“Today, our Pride joins in remembering the contributions of the late Clifton Oliver, who contributed his talents and light with viewers across Broadway, Las Vegas, & our North American tour from 2000-2011,” the statement stated.
At 5 o’clock on Tuesday in New York City, the lights will be darkened at the New Amsterdam Theatre as a tribute to Oliver.
According to Playbill.com, Oliver was born in 1975 & is from Jacksonville, Florida. In order to further his Broadway career, he relocated to New York City in 2010.
According to the site, he is best recognized for his performances in “The Lion King” and “In the Heights,” where he costarred with Jordin Sparks as Benny.