Adrian Bailey, Hard-Luck Broadway Musical Performer, Dies at 67

Adrian Bailey, Hard-Luck Broadway Musical Performer, Dies at 67

As a gamer who’s always been captivated by the vibrant world of Broadway, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration and respect for Adrian Bailey. His resilience, talent, and unwavering spirit are truly inspiring. Despite the tragic accident that forced him to step away from the stage, he never let it break his spirit. Just like in a game where you fall, you get up, dust yourself off, and try again.


Adrian Bailey, who was known for his roles as a singer, actor, and dancer on Broadway, passed away at the age of 67. His career came to an end tragically when he fell through a trap door during a performance of The Little Mermaid, causing him severe injuries from which he never recovered.

On the eve of his birthday, Bailey passed away last Sunday at a rehab center in New York. His brother, Karl Bailey, confirmed this to The Hollywood Reporter, adding that he had suffered a fall in his NYC apartment not long ago.

Born in Detroit, Bailey first appeared on Broadway in 1976 in the production of “Your Arms Too Short to Box With God“.

In the 80s, 90s, and 2000s respectively, he was seen in productions like Sophisticated Ladies, My One and Only, Legs Diamond, Prince of Central Park, Black and Blue, Jelly’s Last Jam, The Who’s Tommy, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Wild Party, La Cage aux Folles, and Hot Feet.

On May 10, 2008, Bailey was an understudy for the role of King Triton in the Little Mermaid production and part of the cast ensemble. During a matinee performance at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater, he accidentally fell through an open trap door on a raised boat, plummeting 36 feet onto the stage right before the show began.

Bailey had a rapid operation on both wrists about four months ago. Subsequently, he filed a lawsuit against Disney, the show’s producer, as well as the companies responsible for building the sets and motion-control systems. In his complaint, he stated that in addition to injuring his wrists, he also sustained multiple fractures in his back, hip, pelvis, tailbone, chest, ribs, and foot, as well as herniated discs in his spine that required at least five operations for repair.

Bailey shared that his life has undergone a profound transformation, stating it would never revert to its previous state. His primary ambition now is to regain the ability to independently access his apartment and take care of himself. He strives to maintain an optimistic outlook.

Bailey’s brother shared that he regained the ability to walk, yet could only journey for up to two hours without interruption, which prevented his attendance at their mother’s funeral. “I understand he wished to be there,” he added.

As a child, Bailey pursued dance and singing classes alongside his education at Osborn High School and the University of Detroit Mercy. Upon graduating from high school, he promptly set off for New York City, as his brother recalled, “He had a clear vision of his future.

Bailey was also featured in “The Wiz” (1978), “The Kings of Brooklyn” (2004), and the 1991 HBO movie, “The Josephine Baker Story,” where Lynn Whitfield played the lead role.

In addition to Karl, survivors include two other brothers, Louis and Frank, and a sister, Angela.

Bailey “fought tirelessly for his life over many years, learning everything anew,” Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill shared on Instagram. “He lived for decades beyond what was expected due to his extraordinary resilience, which made him Adrian Bailey.

View this post on Instagram

Read More

2024-09-25 03:54