Broadway actor Kyle Jean-Baptiste died Friday evening after reportedly falling from a fire escape at his mother's home in New York. He created history when he starred in the lead role in a Broadway production of "Les Miserables," earlier this month.

A spokesman from the company confirmed his death to Broadway World in a statement. The 21-year-old actor became the first African-American to play the lead role of Jean Valjean. He had previously served as an understudy and had just wrapped up his final performance with the musical on Thursday.

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"The entire Les Misérables family is shocked and devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Kyle, a remarkable young talent and tremendous person who made magic - and history - in his Broadway debut," the statement said. "We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time."

Jean-Baptiste, who graduated from Baldwin-Wallace University in Ohio with music theater, had asked to join the Broadway production in May, a day after getting his graduation degree.

The talented actor documented his history-making moment in Instagram, sharing a before-and-after picture in his costume on Thursday, as he was getting ready to play the ex-convict Valjean in the musical.

 Before and after shot. Today is my last performance as Valjean on Broadway. What an incredible experience. I've learned and grown so much. Grateful for the people I've met and this opportunity. I will never forget it. Dedicating this performance to someone special to me. They know who they are. Also sending love to everyone who supported me. Family friends etc. Until next time ..Kyle signing out...saudade❤️✌

He also took to Twitter and shared his though with his fans. 

I thank everyone who supported me and still does. I will never forget this experience. Onwards and upwards ;). Nothing but love @LesMizBway

— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) August 25, 2015

Thursday is my last Valjean on broadway. The ability to play this part on Broadway has been life changing. I'm so greatful. @LesMizBway

— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) August 25, 2015

 

The youngest Broadway star, Jean-Baptiste announced on Twitter in May that he would be joining Cameron Mackintosh’s production “Les Miserables” as Courfeyrac and understudying Jean Valjean. He first stepped on stage for the play July 23.

The actor told Playbill magazine that it was his dream since he was a little boy. Broadway and Hollywood stars have already started to send out their condolences to his family through Twitter.

Lin-Manuel Miranda was one of the first Broadway stars announced that he would postpone the Saturday show of #Ham4Ham, his pre-show ahead of his hit new musical “Hamilton”, out of respect for the young actor. The pair had sung together in #Ham4Ham earlier in the month.

TagsKyle Jean-Baptiste, Broadway, Les Miserables, First African American, Jean Veljean, Baldwin-Wallace University, Dies, fire escape, mother's house