Adrian Bailey, a notable Broadway veteran, died at the age of 67. Bailey, who had an impressive career of more than 30 years, featured in 15 Broadway shows and made a significant impact on the theater community. He died on September 22, 2024, in a rehabilitation facility in New York after a fall in his apartment earlier that year.
Making his Broadway debut in 1976 in “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God,” Bailey went on to star in various productions such as “Dreamgirls,” “La Cage aux Folles,” “The Who’s Tommy,” and “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.” His last role was in “The Little Mermaid,” where he played an ensemble member and was also the understudy for King Triton.
In 2008, Bailey’s stage career was abruptly halted due to an unfortunate accident during a rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid”. He fell through a trapdoor before a Saturday matinee performance, resulting in serious injuries that significantly changed his life.
After the accident, Bailey underwent several surgeries to recover from injuries including fractured wrists, a broken back, hip, ribs, sternum and foot, and a shattered pelvis. Displaying resilience, Bailey said in an interview, “My life has been changed forever. It will never be the same. My immediate goal is to somehow be able to walk up to my own apartment and care for myself. I try to stay positive. I look forward to being made whole someday.”
Since his accident, Bailey had largely stayed out of the limelight, but occasionally made appearances at theater events and remained in touch with the Broadway community.
Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill, who worked with Bailey in “My One and Only,” paid tribute to him on social media, referring to him as a gentle giant with a remarkable talent and compassion. She also acknowledged the enormous challenges he faced in his recovery post-accident, highlighting his years of relearning basic skills.
Social media has seen a wave of heartfelt tributes to Bailey, with many remembering his talent, perseverance, and kindness. Playwright Patrick L. Riley referred to Bailey as an ancestor, stating that he was loved by many, including himself, and wished him peace.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Bailey’s journey to Broadway started early in life. His talents in singing, dancing, and acting made him a prominent figure in the Broadway world. His roles varied across different genres and included musicals like “Jelly’s Last Jam” and dramas like “Prince of Central Park.” His 1982 performance in “Sophisticated Ladies” solidified his reputation as a respected performer in the industry.
Details of a public memorial for Bailey have not yet been announced by his family. However, it is anticipated that his colleagues and friends will honor his memory through special tributes and performances in the near future.
