Kyle Birch, stage actor known for his Tony-winning lead role as Usher in the musical A strange loop in London’s West End, deceased. He was 26 years old.
The late star’s longtime agent Russell Smith confirmed the sad news, beginning in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, December 5, “Kyle was a truly extraordinary talent, with vocal abilities that could bring audiences to tears.”
“His voice was not only beautiful — it was soulful, powerful and deeply resonant, capable of conveying emotions that stayed with you long after the last note,” Smith’s statement continued. “But beyond his art, Kyle was the most gentle and lovely man I could ever hope to work with, a gentle and kind soul whose warmth made every interaction special. I adored him.”
“He had a beautiful smile that could light up any room, a presence that lifted spirits and an energy that inspired everyone around him,” added Smith.
Kyle Birch is performing in London’s West End.
West End Calling/YouTube
Broadway community ‘shattered’ by Gavin Creel’s death at 48: ‘We lost someone too young’
According to Game adBirch also appeared in the touring production Purpleas in Once on this island and I will marry you Tobey Maguireboth at London’s Southwark Playhouse.
In addition, the actor starred in The Bat Boy concert held at the London Palladium.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
According to Smith, “Kyle’s star shone brightest when he took on the role of Usher in A Strange Loop at the Barbican,” the agent wrote in a statement. “As the leading man, he delivered such a deep and nuanced performance that anyone lucky enough to witness it could see just how remarkable he truly was.”
“Kyle poured his heart into every moment on stage, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who watched him,” Smith continued. “He had me laughing out loud one moment, and then moved to tears the very next second – both because of the emotion of his storytelling and the overwhelming sense of pride.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(787x0:789x2)/kyle-birch-03-120524-067ec0fdbe0c47eea137dc167b538189.jpg)
Kyle Birch in London on November 19, 2023.
Alan Chapman/Dave Bennett/Getty
Tribute to celebrities who died in 2024
Smith called Birch’s agent “a privilege” and said the late actor “became an integral part of my life, every day.”
“I saw his face every day, talked about him every day and encouraged him to do his best every day. I was his biggest champion and his biggest fan, which makes sharing this heartbreaking news even harder,” Smith continued, in part . “His passing leaves an unfillable void in the lives of all who knew him and in the hearts of those who admired his art.”
“Kyle was more than a client or a performer – he was a light in our lives, a dear friend and a unique talent. There was only one Kyle,” he added. “My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time. Let’s honor Kyle by remembering the joy he brought into the world, the magic he created and the love he so generously shared.”
“Rest in peace, Kyle. You will be missed more than words can ever describe, but your legacy will live on in every heart you touched,” Smith concluded.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Birch’s loved ones with funeral expenses. The cause of death has not been released.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education