Canadian-born actor Brent Carver, who won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical in 1993, died in his home earlier this week, his family confirmed. He was 68.
Carver was best known for his performances on Broadway in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” in which he played the role of Molina. He later also starred as Leo Frank in the 1998 hit show “Parade.”
Carver’s family shared the news of his passing in a statement on Facebook but no cause of death was given. The family said he passed away at his Cranbrook, British Columbia, home on Aug. 4, the actor’s “birthplace and favourite place on Earth.”
“Blessed with many talents and a natural love of theatre, Brent was always known as a first-class performer, unique in the presentation of his craft, delighting audiences through film, TV, stage, and concert performances,” the statement said. “An impressive record, dating back to 1972, of awards, solo shows, collaborations with musicians, Broadway and West End shows, and memorable performances at theatres across Canada and the United States culminated in a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2014–a proud moment for our entire family.”
Chita Rivera, who co-starred along with Carver in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” also paid tribute to her “great friend and amazing artist.”
“My heart is broken at the loss of my great friend and amazing artist #BrentCarver,” Rivera wrote on Twitter. “I shall miss him more than I can say.”
Carver was born in November 1951 and was of Welsh and Irish heritage. He was the only one in his family of seven children who made it into show business. He made his U.S. debut in “The Tempest,” appearing alongside actor Anthony Hopkins. He also played alongside Orlando Bloom in the Shakespeare play “Romeo and Juliet” in 2013.
Carver’s family said he will be “remembered as the kind, gentle, and gifted man he was, with the deepest love as a true friend and family member.”
They added that “his love of performing was matched only by his zest for life and lifetime devotion to family, friends, and treasured pets.”
Carver is survived by two sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. The family announced it is to hold a private memorial on Monday.
