Fans of the Broadway and television actress Doreen Montalvo are in mourning today after she passed away on Saturday at the age of 56.
A representative for Montalvo confirmed her death to Fox News, saying that she died of a stroke. Her manager added to E! News that Montalvo died “surrounded by her husband Michael Mann and her family after a recent sudden ailment.”
“Doreen didn’t just light up the stage, she brightened the light in all of those around her,” the manager added. “She infused love into every role she played in a varied and successful acting career. Her family is so appreciative to know her work will live on and be seen in the upcoming films of In The Heights and West Side Story, and for the outpouring of love from every corner of the business.”
Montalvo had a decades-long successful career on the stage, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for her work in the ensemble of “In the Heights.” She also appeared in the Broadway musical “On Your Feet!,” which is about the life of the singer Gloria Estefan, who paid tribute to Montalvo after news of her death broke.
“Into the loving hands & angelic voice of the incredibly talented, Doreen Montalvo, @doreencita1, we entrusted the roles of our mommas for our musical, ‘On Your Feet.’ At different times during the life of our show she portrayed with gusto, care & professionalism both my mother, the indomitable Gloria Fajardo & Emilio’s loving mother, Nena,” Estefan said.
“But I feel so fortunate to have been able to get to know her as the amazing human being that she was,” she added. “Our hearts go out to her husband, Michael, their beautiful family and everyone who loved her which includes my family as well. Rest In Power, Doreen, and thank you for all the love you spread just being you. You will be missed by many! We love you!”
Lin-Manuel Miranda of “Hamilton” fame paid tribute to Montalvo as well.
“Doreen Montalvo was the first actress to audition for ‘In The Heights’ in the basement of the Drama Book Shop in 2002. The first one,” he tweeted. “She sang La Lupe’s Qué Te Pedi and embedded herself in my heart in an instant. Her voice was [sic] had that tear in it–that lágrima. Inimitable & hers.”
Doreen Montalvo was the first actress to audition for In The Heights in the basement of the Drama Book Shop in 2002. The first one. She sang La Lupe's Qué Te Pedi and embedded herself in my heart in an instant. Her voice was had that tear in it–that lágrima. Inimitable & hers. pic.twitter.com/hLwT34XQ5w
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) October 18, 2020
Montalvo is survived by her husband, Broadway performer Michael Mann, and her step-children.
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