Clifton Oliver, Broadway actor known for playing Simba in ‘The Lion King’, dies at 47

Clifton Oliver. Instagram page of Clifton Oliver

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IBNS: Broadway actor Clifton Oliver, who was known for his performance in the iconic stage show ‘The Lion King’, has died at 47.

The actor died due to an undisclosed illness on Wednesday.

Confirming the death of the actor, his sister Roxy Hall posted on Facebook: “My baby brother, Clifton Oliver, has had his final curtain call. It was peaceful. His partner Richard, was singing to him the song Psalm 23 as he took his last breath this morning at 3:20 AM.”

My baby brother, Clifton Oliver, has had his final curtain call. It was peaceful. His partner Richard, was singing to…

Posted by Roxy Hall on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

“He had a Gorgeous smile on his Beautiful face!! He went twirling into the afterlife ready to make his Grand Appearance as the Star of his Homecoming Celebration! My heart is sad, and overjoyed at the same time! I will miss him, but he is finally at peace!” she wrote.

“I was able to love on my baby brother, and I will always cherish the memories of having an honor and privilege to do just that! There will be more information to come, as we begin to plan the Celebration of Clifton Oliver!” the actor’s sister said.

Oliver was born on December 3, 1975, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Oliver attended the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts before moving to New York City in 2010 to start his career on Broadway, where he joined the ensemble of Wicked and served as an understudy for Fiyero, Playbill reported.

He also played the role of Benny in In the Heights alongside Jordin Sparks. Oliver also opened the Las Vegas production of The Lion King as Simba, a role he later played in the national tour and finally on Broadway in 2011, reported the popular news outlet and guide for the Broadway theater community.