Dreamgirls actor, Lawrence Clayton, 64, dies of cancer

Broadway star Lawrence Clayton has died at the age of 64.

The actor, who starred in Dreamgirls and the Colour Purple, died on November 2 following a two year battle with glioblastoma cancer.

Clayton was described as a ‘wonderfully talented actor and a glorious singer’ by his talent agency Buckwald, as they announced the sad news of his passing.

He made his Broadway debut in Dreamgirls in 1981 as Effie White’s brother CC and years later starred in the 2015 revival of The Color Purple as Celie’s cruel husband Old Mister.

Clayton also toured in productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables.

On top of his numerous stage appearances, Clayton also landed roles in a number of hit TV shows including Homeland, Deadline and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

His most recent part was in drama series Pose, where he played the stepfather of Billy Porter’s character, Pray Tell.

Clayton is survived by his son Matthew and wife Linda.

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Following the news of the actor’s death, theatre director Laurence Connor tweeted: “So sad to hear of the passing of Lawrence Clayton. It was a joy to direct him as Jean Valjean on the tour of Les Miserables over 10 years ago. I will never forget first hearing his ‘Bring Him Home’ and wanting him for the role. A wonderful actor and a wonderful man. RIP.”

Christin Byrdsong, who starred with Clayton in Seattle Rep’s 2019 production of Shout Sister Shout!,  posted a very heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

“Every. Single. Day. You are a walking masterclass. I had the great honour of not only sharing the stage with you but learning from you. The technique, acting, manhood. All of it. I can’t believe you are gone. You told me to call you Lawrence, but I insisted on calling you MR. Lawrence because I have such respect and admiration for your legacy. You are a Broadway legend. I honestly don’t know how to form the right sentences to encompass what you mean to me and so many other black men in theatre. I just want to say thank you, Mr Lawrence. I love you. I’m grateful I get to be alive in a time where I got to experience your magnificence firsthand.