(l to r) Nick Cordero and Jerry Dalia in ‘A Bronx Tale.’ (Photo: Jerry Dalia)
By Matthew Wexler
Broadway actor Nick Cordero became a symbol of the nation’s fight against coronavirus. After more than three months in the hospital, a leg amputation and multiple infections that depleted the new father’s body to the point beyond recovery, the 41-year old succumbed to the disease at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Cordero’s wife Amanda Kloots rallied family, friends and the nation at large on her husband’s behalf, often taking to Instagram to provide updates on Cordero’s progress.
“God has another angel in heaven now,” wrote Kloots in her Instagram post. “My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.”
Nick Cordero (l) and Jason Gotay in ‘A Bronx Tale.” (Photo: Jerry Dalia)
Cordero made his Broadway debut as a replacement in Rock of Ages, but it was his terrific portrayal of Cheech the bodyguard in the musical adaptation of Bullets Over Broadway that caught critics’ eyes (as well as Kloots, who was in the ensemble). Cordero earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance and went on to originate roles in Waitress and A Bronx Tale.
Kloots and her family had been staying in Bullets Over Broadway co-star Zach Braff’s LA guest house throughout Cordero’s hospitalization. Braff posted on Twitter, “I can honestly tell you I have never met a kinder human being.”
Nick Cordero passed at 11:40am today with his mother and wife by his side. I can honesty tell you I have never met a kinder human being. Don’t believe that Covid only claims the elderly and infirm.
I am so grateful for the time we had. “We’ll catch up some other time.” pic.twitter.com/Oq2a8QsIyH— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) July 6, 2020
The Canadian-born Cordero loved theater as a child and caught an early break when cast in the Canadian company of the interactive, improv-based Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding. He went on to work on cruise ships, then moved to New York City, where he landed the title role in the campy musical adaptation of The Toxic Avenger.
The theater community, and eventually the entire nation, rallied behind Cordero as his circumstances became more public. In some ways, he became a symbol of the greater battle against COVID-19. People saw their son, their brother and their friend in his fight to survive.
I will miss you. You were a wonderful man. A wonderful husband. The happiest dad I knew. A good friend to me. My love & prayers go out to your family #NickCordero
— james m. iglehart (@jamesmiglehart) July 6, 2020
RIP #NickCordero. You were a joy to harmonize with. I am so sad that this was your end. Your country owed you better. #Covid19
— Anika Noni Rose (@AnikaNoniRose) July 6, 2020
Words can’t express the heartbreak clearly enough. He was one of the best. Everyone who knew him felt this way. This is such a profound loss. Rest In Peace, friend. We will miss you terribly. #NickCordero
— Matt Doyle (@MattfDoyle) July 6, 2020
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with medical bills.
