Clifton Oliver was a popular Broadway actor who appeared in such hits as “The Lion King” and the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical “In the Heights.”
- Died: August 2, 2023 (Who else died on August 2?)
- Details of death: Died in New York after a lengthy illness at the age of 47.
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Clifton Oliver’s legacy
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Oliver studied his craft at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts before relocating to New York City to pursue his dream of being on the Broadway stage. In 2010, he joined the cast of “Wicked” as an understudy Fiyero, then played Benny opposite Jordin Sparks in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Oliver’s performance brought him attention and helped land him the role of Simba in “The Lion King.”
Oliver opened the musical’s Las Vegas production and performed the show in Los Angeles before joining the national tour. In 2011, he took over the role of Simba in the Broadway production.
In addition to “The Lion King,” Oliver appeared in several off-Broadway productions and national tours including “Miracle Brothers,” “Bella: An American Tall Tale,” “Dreamgirls,” “Motown the Musical,” “Rent,” “Ragtime,” “Kinky Boots,” and others.
Tributes to Clifton Oliver
Full obituary: Playbill
