Clifton Oliver, the talented Broadway actor known for his roles in “The Lion King” and “In the Heights,” has passed away at the age of 47. His sister, Roxy Hall, shared the news on Facebook, stating that Oliver had died on Wednesday morning. The cause of his death is unknown, but Hall mentioned that he had been in the hospital and hospice for six weeks prior to his passing.
In her heartfelt post, Hall described Oliver’s final moments, revealing that his partner Richard was singing Psalm 23 to him as he took his last breath. She expressed both sadness and joy, as she knew her brother was finally at peace. Oliver’s infectious smile and loving spirit had touched the lives of many, and his memory would live on.
Oliver was born in 1975 and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He discovered his passion for the arts at a young age and pursued his dreams by studying at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. In 2010, he made the move to New York City to kickstart his Broadway career.
Throughout his career, Oliver took on several notable roles. He joined the ensemble and served as an understudy for Fiyero in “Wicked.” He also portrayed Benny in “In the Heights,” alongside Jordin Sparks. One of his most memorable performances was as Simba in “The Lion King,” both on Broadway and in the Las Vegas production and national tour.
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Oliver’s talent extended beyond Broadway. He participated in the tours of “Dreamgirls” and “Motown the Musical.” He also showcased his skills in Off-Broadway productions such as “Miracle Brothers” and “Bella: An American Tall Tale.”
Following the news of Oliver’s passing, the official Instagram account for “The Lion King – Musical” paid tribute to the actor by quoting Mufasa: “Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars.” The post mentioned that a dimming of the lights would occur at the New Amsterdam Theatre on a specified date to honor Oliver’s legacy.
Hall mentioned that more information would be shared as they plan a celebration of Oliver’s life. The Broadway community and fans around the world mourn the loss of a talented performer who brought joy and light to the stage. Oliver’s impact will never be forgotten, as his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness his extraordinary talent.
In conclusion, Clifton Oliver, a beloved Broadway actor known for his roles in “The Lion King” and “In the Heights,” has passed away at the age of 47. His sister shared the news on Facebook, expressing both sadness and joy for her brother’s peace. Oliver’s talent and kind spirit had touched the lives of many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness his performances. The Broadway community and fans around the world mourn the loss of a remarkable talent, and his legacy will be honored through a dimming of the lights at the New Amsterdam Theatre. As plans are made for a celebration of Oliver’s life, more information will be shared.
