Waitress family member, Nick Cordero, who originated the role of Earl on Broadway, has sadly passed away aged 41 from complications of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Nick is survived by his wife, Amanda Kloots, and their 1-year-old son Elvis Eduardo. In addition to Waitress, Nick was well known for starring in Rock of Ages and Bullets Over Broadway, for which he earned a Tony Award nomination.

Sara Bareilles posted on Instagram: “Broken hearted and sending love to Nick’s family. He was light. Kind and gentle. Talented and humble. Funny and friendly. The best laugh. Sending so much love to the love warrior, Amanda, and little Elvis, and an immense hug to any one who is feeling the loss of this giant heart. Rest In Peace dear Nick. We love you. ❤️#sugarbutterfamily”

Kimiko Glenn, who starred as Dawn alongside Nick, said: “I am so lucky to have known you. I remember how much your spontaneous energy made me laugh, how the day Prince died you came into our dressing room in silence and I felt your big beautiful heart breaking. Now my heart breaks for you and your family. Nick passed this morning after a long fight with coronavirus. He was 41, and had no pre-existing conditions. He was young, strong and healthy. As the world gets tired of mask-wearing and social distancing measures, I urge you to remember his story. He spent a month and a half in a coma, lost his leg due to clotting, and was too weak to talk for 95 days. He was the last person I would expect to suffer in such a way. He was a gentle giant and an absolute legend. Please send all your strength to his family, his incredible wife & their 1-year old boy, Elvis. His spirit will live on through you, little man. Rest In Peace, Nick. You will always be remembered.”

Keala Settle, Becky, said: “You will always be my idol. Thank you for all the laughs, the music and the best hugs. Sleep well, brother. ? ILYSM.”

Drew Gehling, who starred as Dr. Pomatter alongside Nick as Earl, added: “Nick made work fun every day. I wrote an email to Amanda the day he was admitted to the hospital while it was pouring rain. I’ll never forget it. I wrote the last line and looked up to see a giant rainbow above the Hudson. I’ll miss you always my friend. I’m lucky to have known you. I’m certainly better for it. Your son Elvis has a world of people with stories to tell and I can’t wait to pass on a few.”

Nadia DiGiallonardo posted: “This is so hard to wrap our heads around. We love you, Nick. We are all so lucky to have known you – you’ll be missed every single day. ❤️ Sending Amanda and Elvis tons of love.”

RIP Nick Cordero – 17 September 1978 – 5 July 2020

Please consider supporting Amanda and Elvis via this GoFundMe page at this heartbreaking time.