Update 6/4/18: Ruthie Ann Miles’ manager tells Us Weekly that no decision has been made about when the actress will return to work. The producers of The King and I also told Us in a statement: “The producers of The King & I wish to clarify recent erroneous reports regarding Ruthie Ann Miles’ participation in the West End production. As has always been the case, our thoughts and concerns have only been for Ruthie and her family and to respect their privacy at this most difficult time. To that end, we have chosen not to comment about whether Ruthie may or may not be able to join the production. Reports suggesting Ruthie has made a decision regarding performing in London are inaccurate. We consider Ruthie a beloved member of The King & I family in the West End, and she is welcome to join the production at any point. However, to be clear, no such decision has been made at this time.”
Ruthie Ann Miles is set to return to work just weeks after losing her unborn baby.
The actress will appear in the West End production of The King and I, reprising her Tony-winning role of Lady Thiang, according to Playbill. The show officially opens on July 3, but performances begin June 21 in London. Miles will share her part with Naoko Mori.
The news comes after months of personal tragedy for the Broadway star. Her 4-year-old daughter Abigail — whom she shared with husband Jonathan Blumenstein — lost her life in a Brooklyn car crash in March when she was struck by a vehicle. A pregnant Miles, 35, was also injured and spent days in the ICU. She lost her unborn baby on May 11 at 39 weeks.
“At the time of the crash Ruthie was pregnant and was severely injured. This past Friday Ruthie and Jonathan lost their baby, Sophia Rosemary Wong Blumenstein,” the family’s lawyer, Ben Rabinowitz, said in a statement on May 16. “The pain suffered by Ruthie and Jonathan is nearly impossible to fathom. As you might imagine, they are overwhelmed by the sadness of the deaths of their children.”
“Ruthie and Jonathan are grateful for the support of their family and friends but wish and ask that their privacy by respected during their most trying time,” the statement concluded. “Ruthie and Jonathan continue to seek God’s presence, mercy and peace.”
Miles, Abigail, Lauren Lew, and her 1-year-old son, Joshua, were hit by a car when driver Dorothy Bruns ran a red light in Brooklyn, New York, on March 5. The two children were killed while their mothers sustained injuries. The Tony winner was seven months pregnant at the time of the accident.
Bruns was charged with involuntary manslaughter on May 3. Her lawyer pleaded not guilty on her behalf.
