Who is Broadway star Chris Peluso?
Broadway actor Chris Peluso confirmed dead by the star’s family according to Playbill.
The musician and actor reportedly passed away on August 15, although a cause of death is still unknown.
He is survived by wife Jessica Gomes, whom he wed in 2018, and their two young kids: daughter Aria Li and son Caio Lian.
Credit Image: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
In fact, the stars death came about a year after the announcement from Peluso’s friends Rebecca LaChance and Tim Oxbrow when they said, “the performer had stepped away from the stage due to a schizoaffective disorder.”
Additionally, Peluso’s former University posted a tribute to the actor.
Linda Goodrich, interim chair of the school’s musical-theatre department said, “The Michigan Musical Theatre family is heartbroken as we announce the passing of our dear family member/alum, the loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted Chris Peluso.”
She added, “Our hearts go out to his family.”
Did Broadway actor Chris Peluso suffer from mental illness?
As a result of Chris’ ongoing struggles, his friends LaChance and Oxbrow started a GoFund Me for their friend’s treatment.
So, what is ‘schizoaffective disorder’?
According to online sources it is a mental illness that can affect your thoughts, mood and behaviour.
Also, according to Rethink Mental Illness, symptoms include mania, depression and psychosis.
Sources claimed, “Chris was experiencing debilitating paranoia, which has kept him from performing in recent years.”
However, Chris provided an update on his treatments and let people know he was stable and doing better.
“I’m able to hold down a job again and even began taping some auditions.”
He added, “It’s going to be a lifelong 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.”
Chris’ fellow performers mourn his loss.
Toni Trucks commented, “This is devastating. I only have wonderful memories of Chris. I am holding tight to all of the light he shared.” She ended by calling him kind, funny, giving, talented and loving.
Meanwhile, other performers continued along the same trajectory, speaking of his kindness, his professionalism and his warmth.
Even though, no cause of death has yet been revealed, it’s hard not to imagine what Peluso was enduring throughout his mental health journey.
The death of yet another great talent is devastating and serves as another reminder to those struggling with mental health and those around them, that they are not alone.
Credit Image: Chris Peluso Instagram
Published by HOLR Magazine