Clifton Oliver.Photo:Ben Hider/Getty
Ben Hider/Getty
Clifton Oliver, a Broadway actor who has appeared in productions includingThe Lion King,WickedandIn the Heights, has died. He was 47.
“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," Hall continued.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Clifton Oliver.Clifton Oliver/Instagram
Clifton Oliver/Instagram
Oliver began his Broadway career in New York City in 2010 after studying at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, perPlaybill. He was a member ofWicked’s ensemble and served as an understudy for the role of Fiyero.
He also had a replacement role as Benny forIn The Heights' run that included Jordin Sparks in the cast, theNew York Daily Newsreported.
In 2011, Oliver played Simba in the Broadway production ofThe Lion King. He previously portrayed the same role in the show’s Las Vegas run, and was also part of the musical’s national tour.
Oliver’s other theatrical credits includeBella: An American Tall Tale,Miracle Brothers,DreamgirlsandMotown the Musical, according toPlaybill.
Clifton Oliver in the theatrical production of ‘The Lion King.'.Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty
Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty
SuperstoreactressCarla Renatapaid tribute to Oliver on social media, sharing a photo of him in hisLion Kingattire.
Shewrote: “This one really hurts He’s the first of our clan to cross over… I had the pleasure of sharing the stage for three years in the Original LA Company of Disney’s The Lion King. I know that the clouds must clear and that the sun will shine…Shine on #cliftonoliver #TheLionKing.”
source: people.com
