Broadway, touring, and West End performer Chris Peluso died at 40, his family confirmed in 2023. His precise date of death is recorded differently by Playbill and the International Broadway Database (August 15) and by the University of Michigan (August 14); no cause of death was disclosed.
Who was Chris Peluso?
Peluso, identified by the University of Michigan as Chris Anthony Peluso Jr., was a musical-theatre performer and a graduate of the university’s musical theatre program. Born July 1, 1983, he built a career in Broadway productions, U.S. tours, and London’s West End.
The university’s interim department chair, Linda Goodrich, remembered him as “the loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted Chris Peluso,” adding, “Our hearts go out to his family.” The University of Michigan memorial preserves her tribute.
What Broadway shows was Chris Peluso in?
The International Broadway Database (IBDB) records Peluso’s Broadway debut as an understudy for the Balladeer in the 2004 revival of Assassins. His other Broadway credits included:
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- Lestat, in the ensemble and as an understudy;
- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, as an understudy and swing;
- Mamma Mia!, as a replacement Sky.
His touring and West End work
Peluso also performed in major productions outside Broadway, including:
- U.S. touring: In Wicked, he starred as Fiyero and covered the role.
- London and UK productions: His credits included The Woman in White, Death Takes a Holiday, Show Boat, and Miss Saigon. He played Nick Arnstein in the UK tour of Funny Girl.
These touring and London credits are described in Playbill’s report and the university memorial.
When did Chris Peluso die?
The exact date is not consistent across records. Playbill’s August 17, 2023 report says Peluso died August 15, and IBDB lists August 15, 2023. The University of Michigan’s Winter 2024 memorial gives August 14, 2023. The sources do not explain the one-day difference.
How did Chris Peluso die?
No cause of death was disclosed. The Los Angeles Times reported that his family confirmed his death to Playbill and that no cause had been made public. Reports also said Peluso had stepped away from theatre work to seek treatment for schizoaffective disorder; that health information does not establish a cause of death.
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Family
Playbill reported that Peluso was survived by his wife, Jessica Gomes, and their two children.
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