Tony nominated actor Nick Cordero has died in Los Angeles after contracting Coronavirus and struggling with severe medical complications. Cordero spent around ninety-five days in Cendars-Sinai Hospital before he died aged just forty-one, leaving behind his wife, Amanda Kloots, and his young son.
The Broadway community grieves for an actor with so much more still to give.
Since the announcement of his death, the industry has paid tribute to Cordero, urging people to donate to a GoFundMe page, which was organised by his close friends and family to cover medical bills.
Cordero’s close friend, Zach Braff, took to social media to express his grief: “I can honestly tell you that I have never met a kinder human being. Don’t believe that Covid only claims the life of the elderly and infirm”.
The Canadian actor was nominated for a Tony for his role as Cheech in Bullets over Broadway. His debut was in the Off-Broadway production of The Toxic Avenger, and he then went on to star in Rock of Ages as Dennis, Waitress as Earland, and A Bronx Tale as Sonny.
Whilst starring as Cheech in Bullets Over Broadway, he met Amanda Kloots. The pair married in 2017, and their son Elvis was born in 2019.
Kloots announced his passing in a touching and heart-breaking Instagram post: “God has another angel in heaven now. My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family singing and praying as he gently left this Earth.”
Nick Cordero’s passing is a stark reminder that COVID-19 is still here, and that it is not just those with pre-existing health conditions or the elderly who are vulnerable to the horrific disease. Before contracting Coronavirus, Cordero was fit and healthy – he had so much more life left to live. Now a son is left without a father, a wife without her husband and a family is shattered by grief.
Musical director, Michael J Moritz, tweeted: “I am so incredibly sad to lose such a wonderful friend and musical partner. […] Amanda will need all the support and love we can offer.”
Jessie Mueller, who starred opposite Cordero in Waitress The Musical, posted: “heartbroken doesn’t even cover it.”
The theatre industry across the world grieves; not just for the loss of a talented actor, but for the loss of a kind, caring and loving man, and his wife and son who have to find a way to keep on living.
Nick Cordero fought for his life for over 90 days- now he is at peace.
Words by Orla McAndrew.