Longtime The Lion King Broadway Cast Member Ben Lipitz Passes Away at 58

Longtime The Lion King Broadway Cast Member Ben Lipitz Passes Away at 58

Long-tenured performer Ben Lipitz passed away on April 18. Lipitz will be mourned by his Lion King family and the theatrical community following his passing at the age of 58. News of his passing was confirmed to Playbill.com via Disney Theatricals press representative Dennis Crowley.

Lipitz helped raise millions for “Broadway Cares” throughout his storied career on stage. He is best known for portraying Pumbaa in Disney’s The Lion King for over 6,000 performances that spanned a decade on both Broadway and national tours of the production, making him one of the longest-tenured performers in the history of the show, which celebrates 25 years on Broadway.

Related: Tom Cruise & James Corden Surprise Appearance in Disney’s The Lion King

In addition to his work on The Lion King, Lipitz was active in regional theater, most notably Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre, where Mr. Lipitz starred in The Producers, Art, and Laughter on the 23rd Floor.

The April 19 performances of The Lion King on Broadway and its national tour in Ohio were dedicated to Mr. Lipitz. Disney Theatrical said, “Tonight, we celebrate the life of our dear friend and colleague Ben Lipitz. Ben was part of The Lion King for over 20 years, performing as Pumbaa for over 6,000 performances on Broadway and across the country. Ben is forever a part of our family.”

“In addition to his time with The Lion King, Ben produced over 100 concerts for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Entertainment Community Fund, and The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Over his many years on tour, Ben raised an astounding $3,425,139.22 for Broadway Cares. Ben’s legacy of centering the needs of others is immeasurable. 

“Ben is survived by his wife Rosalie, his son Matthew, and his daughter Mikaela. His laughter and spirit will be deeply missed, for he was one of a kind.

“Please join us in honoring Ben at this performance.”

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