Chris Peluso, a highly acclaimed stage performer renowned for his exceptional roles in hit musicals such as “Mamma Mia!” and “Wicked,” tragically passed away on Tuesday at the age of 40. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Peluso’s family to the esteemed theatre publication, Playbill.
Left behind to mourn his loss are his beloved wife, Jessica Gomes, and their two young children, daughter Aria Li and son Caio Lian, as Playbill reported.
The University of Michigan, where Peluso received his musical theatre education, expressed their profound grief upon hearing of his passing. Linda Goodrich, the interim chair of the university’s musical-theatre department, conveyed her heartfelt condolences in a statement shared on Instagram.
Peluso had an illustrious career in the Broadway scene, featuring in notable productions like “Assassins,” “Lestat,” “The Glorious Ones,” and “Beautiful.” Additionally, he captivated audiences on tour as Fiyero in “Wicked” and as Sky in “Mamma Mia!”
London also witnessed Peluso’s incredible talent, as he graced their stages in exceptional shows such as “Miss Saigon,” “Show Boat,” and “The Woman in White.”
In recent times, Peluso temporarily stepped away from the theatre world to seek treatment for schizoaffective disorder, as reported by Playbill. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated on his behalf by two friends in September, aiming to gather support for his inpatient treatment at a mental health rehabilitation center.
The fundraiser shed light on the immense challenges Peluso faced due to his diagnosis, particularly the debilitating paranoia that critically impacted his ability to perform. However, a statement attributed to Peluso and posted on the GoFundMe page in November revealed that he was stable and making progress, bravely working towards resuming his career.
According to his bio on the Artists & Beyond and Broadway Plus website, Peluso was also pursuing a master’s degree in therapeutic counseling. This not only served as a meaningful side job for him but also helped him gain a deeper emotional understanding of the world and the relationships that fuel the essence of great theatre. Moreover, his experiences positioned him uniquely to assist aspiring students in navigating the inevitable anxieties that accompany a career in the Arts.
In memory of Chris Peluso, let us remember that mental health support is crucial. If you or someone you know requires help, do not hesitate to call or text 988 or seek assistance on 988lifeline.org. Additionally, resources for local mental health and crisis services can be found at dontcallthepolice.com.
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