Broadway actor Chris Peluso, best known for his roles in "Mamma Mia!" and "Wicked," has tragically passed away at the age of 40. The news of his sudden death on August 15 was confirmed by his family to Playbill, although the cause of death has not been disclosed at this time. Peluso leaves behind his wife Jessica Gomes and their two children, Aria Li and Caio Lian.

Peluso's alma mater, the University of Michigan, paid a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram. Linda Goodrich, interim chair of the school's musical theatre program, expressed the deep sorrow felt by the Michigan Musical Theatre family upon hearing the news of Peluso's passing. She described him as a loving, charismatic, and divinely gifted individual, and extended their condolences to his family.

Throughout his career, Peluso had an impressive list of stage acting credits. He appeared in various Broadway productions including "Assassins," "Lestat," "The Glorious Ones," and "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." However, his most notable roles were as Sky in "Mamma Mia!" and Fiyero in "Wicked." Peluso's talents were not confined to Broadway, as he also showcased his skills in London's West End. He graced the stages of plays such as "Funny Girl," "Show Boat," "Miss Saigon," and "The Woman in White."

Tragically, Peluso's passing comes months after it was revealed that he was battling schizoaffective disorder, a mental health disorder that combines symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders. In September 2022, a GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for his mental wellness treatment. The post explained that Peluso's diagnosis had resulted in debilitating paranoia that prevented him from performing in recent years. The campaign garnered tremendous support, raising over $25,000 before contributions were paused. Peluso expressed his gratitude to his supporters, stating that his treatment had concluded and he was doing better. He acknowledged that therapy and ongoing medical care would be a lifelong process but expressed optimism about his progress.

Peluso's friend shared with TODAY.com that his death comes exactly one year after he decided to step away from acting to focus on his treatment for schizoaffective disorder. Despite this hiatus, Peluso had already made a significant impact in the industry. He gained recognition as an understudy in several Broadway productions, including “Assassins” and "Lestat." Additionally, he portrayed multiple leading male roles in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." His performances as Sky in "Mamma Mia!" and Fiyero in “Wicked” on various tours solidified his status as a talented and versatile actor.

His talents were not limited to the United States, as he also made a name for himself in London's theatrical scene. Peluso starred in productions such as "The Woman in White," "Death Takes a Holiday," "Show Boat," and “Miss Saigon” before the latter transferred to Broadway. He embarked on tours across the U.K., showcasing his versatility and captivating audiences wherever he performed.

The untimely passing of Chris Peluso has left the Broadway community mourning the loss of a talented individual who touched the hearts of many. His contributions to the stage will be remembered, and his legacy will live on through his captivating performances and the impact he made on those who had the privilege of witnessing his talent firsthand.