Chris Peluso, an accomplished actor, and singer celebrated for his roles in productions like Mamma Mia!, has tragically passed away at the age of 40.
According to Playbill, Peluso’s family confirmed that his unexpected demise occurred on August 15.
The University of Michigan, Peluso’s alma mater, also paid tribute to him through a heartfelt post on its musical-theatre department’s Instagram page. Linda Goodrich, interim chair of the school’s musical-theatre department, penned a touching message in honor of Peluso, describing him as “loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted.”
Goodrich highlighted some of Peluso’s standout performances, including his Broadway debut in Assassins, roles in Lestat, The Glorious Ones, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. He notably portrayed Sky in Mamma Mia! on Broadway in 2008 and took on the role of Fiyero in a touring production of Wicked.
Peluso’s death has elicited an outpouring of tributes, especially from fellow Broadway luminaries expressing their grief. Songwriter and fellow University of Michigan alum Justin Paul left prayer-hand emojis in the comments section of the school’s tribute post. Desi Oakley, another prominent figure in the theater world, fondly remembered Peluso for his kindness and professionalism.
Beyond his contributions to the U.S. theater scene, Peluso’s talent graced London productions such as Show Boat, Miss Saigon, The Woman in White, and Death Takes a Holiday. His theatrical journey also encompassed a U.K. tour of Funny Girl, as well as roles in West Side Story and Les Misérables.
Apart from his stage pursuits, Peluso had embarked on a different path and was pursuing a master’s degree in therapeutic counseling. His intention was to assist students in navigating the unique challenges that come with a career in the arts.
Last September, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to support Peluso’s mental health treatment since he had been struggling with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. This condition had led to debilitating paranoia, preventing him from performing in recent years.
In a subsequent update to the GoFundMe, which garnered substantial support with over $25,000 raised before pausing donations, Peluso expressed his progress. He shared that he had successfully completed treatment and was on a stable path to recovery.
“I’m able to hold down a job again and even began taping some auditions,” Peluso said. “It’s going to be a life long process of going to therapy and working with doctors but I’m so much better than I was before treatment. It really means the world to me to have such incredible support from you all. None of this progress would have been possible without you.”
Peluso is survived by his wife, Jessica Gomes, whom he wed in 2018, as well as their two young children: daughter Aria Li and son Caio Lian.