Chris Peluso, an actor well-known for his performances in Broadway musicals and the UK's West End, has died at 40, his family informed Playbill.
Peluso's family said that he died suddenly on Tuesday, August 15. He is survived by his wife, Jessica Gomes, whom he married in 2019, and his two young children, Aria Li and Caio Lian.
How did Chris Peluso die?
The ‘Mamma Mia!’ star died a year after quitting acting to receive treatment for a schizoaffective disorder.
According to Rethink Mental Illness, "Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that can affect your thoughts, mood, and behavior," per the NY Daily News.
What was Chris Peluso's role in 'Mamma Mia!'?
According to Playbill and the University of Michigan Musical Theatre department, Peluso, who toured in 'Wicked' as Fiyero, played Sophie's fiancee Sky in Broadway's 'Mamma Mia!'
The University of Michigan, Peluso's alma mater, confirmed his death, praising him as "loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted." They listed some of Peluso's most well-known roles.
Peluso also gained recognition for his understudy role in several productions on the Great White Way, including 'Assassins', 'Lestat' and 'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical'.
Who is Chris Peluso's wife?
Peluso was not just a gifted actor, but also a devoted husband and father. He had a meaningful journey that extended beyond his public persona with his loyal wife Gomes by his side.
Their story of romance and camaraderie began formally when they got married. They shared a post on their social media on February 11, 2019, which read, "Peety got a new mom officially!"
Why was there a GoFundMe for Chris Peluso?
Later in his career, Peluso moved to London and featured in 'Show Boat' and 'Miss Saigon' on the West End. Peluso's friends reportedly announced in September 2022 that he was leaving the theater to undergo treatment for schizoaffective disorder.
According to the GoFundMe page set up for his medical needs, he suffered from "debilitating paranoia." A statement from Peluso was published in a November 2022 update on the fundraising website, saying he had been discharged from an in-patient facility in Tennessee and was "doing well."
Tributes pour in for Chris Peluso
Following Peluso's death, condolences poured in, especially from Justin Paul, a fellow UM alum, and composer, who left a string of prayer-hand emojis in the comments section of the school's social media tribute post.
"I learned so much from his kindness & professionalism I am sending so much love to all who walked closely with him," said fellow Broadway star Desi Oakley.
"It was an honor to sit beside you, Chris," commented theater actress Kate Loprest
Robert Hartwell, Founder and Artistic Director of The Broadway Collective, noted, "Oh I am heartbroken. Some of the sweetest memories of summer musical theatre were with him and Mark Madama sending so much love."
