Zach Braff, Viola Davis and More React to Broadway Star Nick Cordero’s Tragic Coronavirus Death

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

Zach Braff, Viola Davis and More React to Broadway Star Nick Cordero’s Tragic Coronavirus Death

Paying tribute. Nick Cordero has been honored by many amid his tragic death, including some of today’s biggest stars.

The Broadway performer died at age 41 on Sunday, July 5, from coronavirus related complications. He was admitted into Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on March 31, where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for the virus on April 1.

During his battle with the deadly disease, he was placed under a medically induced coma and would later have his right leg amputated on April 18. At one point, it was revealed that he would likely need to undergo a double lung transplant in order to live.

Cordero is survived by his wife, Amanda Kloots, and their 12-month-old son, Elvis.

“God has another angel in heaven now,” Kloots, 38, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, July 5, while sharing a black-and-white headshot of her late spouse. “My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.”

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The fitness expert continued, “I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday.”

Kloots also thanked her husband’s “extraordinary” doctor, Dr. David Ng, and fans who have supported her family along the way.

The Waitress actor’s best friend Zach Braff noted via Instagram how he had “never known a kinder person” than Cordero. Prior to his pal’s passing, the Scrubs alum, 45, opened up about the severity of Cordero’s battle.

“One of my best friends in the world, Nick Cordero, and his wife and baby have been living in my guest house for seven months as they were house-shopping in L.A. to make the move out here,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in April. “Nick’s a big Broadway star and Amanda, his wife, is a trainer and they fell in love with L.A. So, they went home to pack up their things and he got COVID-19 when they did that.”

The Garden State actor added, “He has it worse than anyone I’ve heard of who hasn’t passed away. He’s 41 and he’s unconscious at Cedars — he’s on a ventilator, he’s lost his leg due to complications, and every day we don’t know what will happen.”

Scroll down to see how more stars have reacted to Cordero’s untimely death.

Credit: Shutterstock (3)

Zach Braff, Viola Davis and More React to Broadway Star Nick Cordero’s Tragic Coronavirus Death

Paying tribute. Nick Cordero has been honored by many amid his tragic death, including some of today’s biggest stars.

The Broadway performer died at age 41 on Sunday, July 5, from coronavirus related complications. He was admitted into Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on March 31, where he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia before testing positive for the virus on April 1.

During his battle with the deadly disease, he was placed under a medically induced coma and would later have his right leg amputated on April 18. At one point, it was revealed that he would likely need to undergo a double lung transplant in order to live.

Cordero is survived by his wife, Amanda Kloots, and their 12-month-old son, Elvis.

“God has another angel in heaven now,” Kloots, 38, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, July 5, while sharing a black-and-white headshot of her late spouse. “My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.”

[jwplayer 6tM2pVZm-l3ahXupL]

The fitness expert continued, “I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday.”

Kloots also thanked her husband’s “extraordinary” doctor, Dr. David Ng, and fans who have supported her family along the way.

The Waitress actor’s best friend Zach Braff noted via Instagram how he had “never known a kinder person” than Cordero. Prior to his pal’s passing, the Scrubs alum, 45, opened up about the severity of Cordero’s battle.

“One of my best friends in the world, Nick Cordero, and his wife and baby have been living in my guest house for seven months as they were house-shopping in L.A. to make the move out here,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in April. “Nick’s a big Broadway star and Amanda, his wife, is a trainer and they fell in love with L.A. So, they went home to pack up their things and he got COVID-19 when they did that.”

The Garden State actor added, “He has it worse than anyone I’ve heard of who hasn’t passed away. He’s 41 and he’s unconscious at Cedars — he’s on a ventilator, he’s lost his leg due to complications, and every day we don’t know what will happen.”

Scroll down to see how more stars have reacted to Cordero’s untimely death.

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Robert De Niro

In a joint statement with his Tribeca Film Festival cofounder Jane Rosenthal, the collaborators spoke to The Hollywood Reporter on July 7 about Cordero’s tragic passing. “It’s very upsetting to us what happened to him. Even though he got sick at the beginning of the pandemic, this didn’t have to be,” the joint announcement read. “If President [Donald] Trump had heeded the warnings he was being given — if he and his administration believed in science, fact and telling the truth — this might never have happened; the way Trump has handled this crisis has been appalling and surreal.”

The statement continued, “And people who are still running around without masks should remember that being young and healthy does not mean you’re immune from this virus — Nick was both — and besides, you can spread it to others who aren’t young and healthy. Nobody deserves to have to go through what Nick did.”

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Katharine McPhee

"A young talent, full of contagious energy and a big future was taken from us way too soon," the American Idol alum tweeted on Monday, July 6. "Amanda, there hasn't been a day during Nick's battle that I haven't thought of you and your Elvis. My heart and prayers are with you going forward as well. I've been told that Nick cared most about being a husband and father, and his relentless fight against this virus was only a testament to that. It is clear he loved you beyond words.

McPhee starred in Waitress two years after Cordero left the production in 2016 and took time to address her Broadway community as they work through this major loss. "To my Waitress family, I am thinking of all of you who knew & loved Nick and am here for you," she wrote. "Our paths only crossed briefly once - but from the time I saw him to every performance I've seen of his, it is apparent that he was a force to be reckoned with on & off the stage."

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Selma Blair

The Cruel Intentions actress penned a lengthy note in Cordero's honor one day after his wife confirmed the news of his death. "There has not been a day where he has not entered my prayers. Because of the love and saint-like enthusiasm @amandakloots has given to their love and his hopes of recovery," she wrote via Instagram. "They were madly in love. With a one year old son, Elvis. Because of Amanda, my heart has grown, as so many have been moved by witnessing her heroic faith and love. Their bond has changed my life. Amanda has changed so many lives. With her soul, laid bare. The love and energy are ferocious around this family."

Blair noted that "moving forward" would be unspeakably challenging for Kloots and her family, and encouraged her followers to consider contributing to their GoFundMe to help support them in their time of need. "Supporting Amanda in this time would be a blessing," she added. "We love you Amanda, Nick and Elvis. And family. I hold you as my own should you ever need anything from me. Bless this journey. Rest In Peace Nick. You gave a hell of a fight to 'live your life' 🖤 #ripnickcordero."

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Leslie Odom Jr.

"So damn sad and unbelievable. Hard to process," the Hamilton alum tweeted on Monday, July 6, after sharing an article dedicated in his fellow Broadway star's honor.

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Audra McDonald

The six-time Tony winner gave a thoughtful tribute to Cordero's family hours after learning of his "heartbreaking" death. "Sending love, light and peace to Amanda, Elvis and all of his loved ones. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾," she tweeted.

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Amanda Kloots

Cordero’s widow confirmed his death via Instagram on Sunday. In doing so, she thanked the actor’s doctor and the support she’s received from fans worldwide. “To Nick’s extraordinary doctor, Dr. David Ng, you were my positive doctor! There are not many doctors like you. Kind, smart, compassionate, assertive and always eager to listen to my crazy ideas or call yet another doctor for me for a second opinion,” she explained. “You’re a diamond in the rough.” ⠀

Kloots added, “I cannot begin to thank everyone enough for the outpour of love, support and help we’ve received these last 95 days. You have no idea how much you lifted my spirits at 3 p.m. everyday as the world sang Nick’s song, “Live Your Life.” We sang it to him today, holding his hands. As I sang the last line to him, ‘they’ll give you hell but don’t you light them kill your light not without a fight. Live your life,’ I smiled because he definitely put up a fight. I will love you forever and always my sweet man.”

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Zach Braff

“Nick Cordero passed at 11:40 a.m. today with his wife and mother by his side. I have honestly never known a kinder person. But Covid doesn’t care about the purity of your soul, or the goodness in your heart,” he wrote via Instagram on July 5, sharing a photo of Cordero and Kloots. “The last thing he ever texted me was to look out for his wife and one-year-old son, Elvis. I promise the world they will never want for anything. I feel so incredibly grateful I got to have Nick Cordero enter my life. Rest In Peace. Rest in Power.”

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Viola Davis

The How to Get Away With Murder alum posted a photo of Cordero alongside his wife and son, writing: “RIP Nick Cordero! My condolences to you Amanda who fought and loved so hard....so sorry for his little one. My heart is with you. May flights of angels….”

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Hilary Duff

The Younger actress took to Instagram on Sunday to share a heartfelt message she penned for Kloots. “Hey Amanda, we were really praying daily for you guys. It was a constant conversation in our house. Seriously, if not every day, every other day we would talk about Nick and you and your baby and pray he would kick this thing’s ass,” she wrote. “The positivity you have demonstrated has been fierce and fearless and seemed superhuman when I’m sure the struggle felt lonely and terrifying at times. The strength you have shone for Elvis is a beautiful, self-less quality that is hard to possess. Way to go, mama. Bravo.”

Duff continued, “I know you will keep smiling and carry your love for Nick and who he was throughout you [sic] and Elvis’ lifetime. I’m sorry for the sorrow… but just know that so many people personally or strangers are now sending you mountains of love.”

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Sarah Michelle Gellar

“I’m not even sure what to say right now. Today, @nickcordero1 lost his battle with covid. For everyone out there thinking this disease is harmless, it’s not,” the Buffy actress said via Instagram, sharing a snap of the family of three. “Nick leaves behind a beautiful wife @amandakloots and the most precious son, who just celebrated his first birthday without his father. Amanda, because of this horrible disease we can’t even hug you. But it’s important that you know, there is an army of people here, ready to support you in ANY and EVERY way possible.”

Gellar added, “I wish you understood the inspiration that you have been to so many, and I hope that brings you even the smallest bit of comfort through all this. But none of this is fair. ‘Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.’ #ripnickcordero.”

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Sara Bareilles

The “Fire” singer, who worked with Kloots on Broadway’s Waitress production, issued a statement via Instagram on Sunday. “He was light. Kind and gentle. Talented and humble. Funny and friendly. The best laugh,” Bareilles wrote. “Sending so much love to the love warrior @amandakloots 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.”

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Florence Pugh

The Little Women actress addressed her pal’s death by sharing a video of an old vocal performance of Cordero’s from April 2019. “We lost one of the great ones today,” she wrote in the post’s caption. “My friend Nick Cordero passed this morning, holding hands with all his loved ones. Him and his wife @amandakloots have been fighting extremely hard for 90 days. He caught COVID 19 in March and has been hospitalised ever since despite having no pre-existing health conditions. This was him April ‘19! In his element. On stage whilst commanding the entire audience so intensely, you could have heard a pin drop.”

Pugh noted how “shocking and devastating” it was to witness “one of your own come down as hard as he did,” adding: “Over the last few months I’ve wanted to ask myself every day- what can I do to help? But, instead I’ll ask all of you. What can WE do to help? We still can. Help the world by continuing to take this virus seriously. Wear your mask, respect others’ space, clean your hands and please be safe. This is far from over. Nick, we love you to infinity and beyond. Rest In Peace you beautiful, beautiful man.”

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Priscilla Presley

“I’m so shocked to see the news today that Nick has passed,” the actress tweeted. “My heart and soul goes out to Nick Cordero’s beautiful wife and family. Rest In Peace, Nick.”

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Cynthia Erivo

“I am so so sorry!!! Sending love and light and prayers,” the Harriet actress shared beneath Kloots’ Instagram post.

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Ashley Tisdale

“I’m so sorry. My heart is broken for you,” the Disney Channel alum commented beneath Kloots’ Instagram tribute. “Sending you all the love and prayers to your family.”

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Kate Hudson

In response to Kloots’ post, the Fabletics founder wrote: “So sad to hear this news. Sending so much love and light.”

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Chrissy Metz

“Amanda, I am praying for Nick’s transition to be full of light and love,” the This Is Us actress wrote beneath Kloots’ tribute. “Surrounding you and Elvis with peace. Sending and supporting you in love and prayer.”

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Rebecca Romijn

Romijn told Kloots in her tribute’s comments section that she was “sending so much love” her way.

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Drew Scott

The Property Brothers star dropped two red heart emojis beneath Kloots’ tribute.

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Shannen Doherty

“This loss of Nick. your loss, your son’s loss... I am so very sorry,” the Beverly Hills, 90210 alum wrote while commenting on Kloots’ post for Cordero.

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Krysten Ritter

“Oh, Amanda… please know we are weeping with you and holding you and Elvis in our hearts,” the Jessica Jones alum wrote via Kloots’ Instagram tribute. “I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. Sending you so much love.”

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Heather Dubrow

The former Real Housewives of Orange County star shared in the comments section of Kloots’ update: “😭 😭 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ Sending you love 😭 😭 😭 .”

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Jane Lynch

The Glee alum tweeted “godspeed, Nick” alongside a broken heart emoji.

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Bernadette Peters

“RIP Nick Cordero. Sending love to Amanda and Elvis,” the actress tweeted.

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Alyssa Milano

“Rest in peace, Nick,” the Charmed alum wrote via Instagram, while sharing the original statement and photo that Kloots uploaded.

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Holly Robinson Pete

“Amanda Kloots’ husband, Nick Cordero, 41 passed away this from [sic] COVID-19 complications. I’ve been following this story since the beginning (13 weeks),” Peete tweeted. “Watching Amanda rally so hard with positivity, music and love always with a smile on her face. This is just crushing. RIH.”

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Sarah Paulson

In the wake of Cordero’s death, the American Horror Story actress urged for her Twitter followers to donate to a GoFundMe campaign “if you are able” that is in support of the family. “There are broken hearts tonight,” she added.

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Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Devastating. What a loss, what a light,” the Hamilton star tweeted. “Whole heart with Amanda and his family tonight.”

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Josh Gad

“My heart is broken. I feel ill,” the Frozen star tweeted on Sunday. “Along with the entire Broadway community and the entire world, I mourn the loss of the incredible Nick Cordero and send my sincerest love and prayers to ⁦@amandakloots, Elvis & and [their] entire family. RIP Nick.”

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