Chris Peluso, the Broadway actor known for his roles in the biggest hit American musicals like Mamma Mia and Wicked, passed away on August 15 at the age of 40, turning the world of American musicals upside down Head.
The music department at the University of Michigan, where he studied, announced his death on Friday.
“The Michigan Musical Theater is heartbroken to announce the death of one of its family members and alumni: the loving, charismatic and divinely gifted Chris Peluso. “We are wholeheartedly with his family,” read the university’s publication.
Last year, Chris Peluso had to stop performing due to the schizoaffective mental disorder that was plaguing him. This illness caused him episodes of “crippling paranoia”. His friends had set up a gofundme to pay for the treatment. More than $25,000 was raised for the comedian. Last November he was able to return to the stage.
The causes of his death were not disclosed. In grief, he not only leaves the world of American musicals, but also his wife and two small children.