Actor who Played Simba in The Lion King Dies at 47

Ajuma Millicent

Broadway actor Clifton Oliver, who played Simba in the Broadway Production of The Lion King has reportedly passed away at age 47.

According to a social media post made by the deceased actor’s sister, Roxy Hall, the actor died early Wednesday morning. In a long Facebook post dated August 2, Roxy wrote a heartfelt message to remember her brother; 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.

Although she did not reveal the actor’s cause of death, she said in her post that Clifton had been receiving hospice care and medical care for the previous six weeks. According to Playbill, a news source and resource for the Broadway theater community and theatergoers, Clifton Oliver was born on December 3, 1975, in the Florida city of Jacksonville.

He relocated to New York in 2010 to seek a career on Broadway, where he is best known for playing Simba in “The Lion King,” the most successful Broadway production ever. He also starred in “Wicked” and “In the Heights” on Broadway.

Actor who played Simba Dies at 47 — Roxy Hall With Brother Clifton Oliver. Photo: FACEBOOK

In remembrance of the actor, on Tuesday, August 8, at 5 p.m., the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City is expected to turn down its lights. A homage to the actor was also shared on the “The Lion King” Instagram account. A picture of Oliver as Simba was posted with the statement, “Today, our Pride joins in remembering the legacy of the late Clifton Oliver, who shared his talents and light with audiences across Broadway, Las Vegas, and our North American tour from 2000-2011.”