‘Lion King’ actor Clifton Oliver dead: ‘In the Heights’ star was 47
Clifton Oliver, an actor who appeared on Broadway in “The Lion King,” “In the Heights” and “Wicked,” has died. He was 47.
The prolific performer passed away Wednesday following a lengthy illness, with posts on social media from friends and family indicating he had spent the last six weeks in a hospital and then hospice.
“My baby brother, Clifton Oliver, has had his final curtain call,” Roxy Hall, from Jacksonville, Florida, wrote Wednesday on Facebook.
“It was peaceful,” she continued. “His partner Richard was singing to him the song Psalm 23 as he took his last breath this morning at 3:20 AM.”
“My heart is sad, and overjoyed at the same time! I will miss him, but he is finally at peace!” Hall continued the post. “He brought so much light to this world! He brought so much light to my life!”
“He impacted the lives of people throughout the world as he showcased his amazing talent, kind soul, and loving spirit to EVERYONE he met! He will be missed, but never forgotten! He lives within all of us!” she wrote.
Born on Dec. 3, 1975, Oliver was best known for his performance of Simba in the Broadway production of “The Lion King.” He grew up in Jacksonville and attended the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts before moving to New York to pursue an acting career.
He joined the Broadway cast of “In the Heights” as Benny in 2010 and also appeared in “Wicked” (in the ensemble and as Fiyero).
He also played Simba in the Las Vegas and Los Angeles stagings of “The Lion King” as part of the production’s US tour.
Other stage credits include “Motown The Musical,” “Rent,” “Ragtime,” “Pal Joey,” “Kinky Boots” and “The Scottsboro Boys.”
