Marquis Floyd, a company member of the national tour of The Lion King, died suddenly March 23. Disney Theatrical Group confirmed the news, although details of Mr. Floyd's passing have not been revealed.
Mr. Floyd, who was part of the Lion King ensemble, was also a choreographer. A graduate of the Boston Conservatory, he was a Gene Kelly Artist Award winner, whose credits included work with the Dance Theater of Harlem and the Bad Boys of Ballet. Mr. Floyd's additional credits included the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show and the 2021 VMA Awards as well as the Apple+ series Dickinson and Fire Shut Up in My Bones at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Mr. Floyd's Lion King bio stated that the young artist was "ecstatic to be making his debut in the Pridelands!"
In a statement, Lion King producer Anne Quart said, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Marquis Floyd, a cherished member of The Lion King North American tour company. In the three years Marquis was with the tour, he brought his extraordinary talent to the stage and shared his warm humanity off stage. On behalf of The Lion King, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and friends. He will forever be part of our Pride."
The March 23 performance of The Lion King was canceled at Fort Lauderdale's Broward Center following the tragic news. Performances resumed March 25.