Aside from announcing his passing, Kyle Birch’s agent penned a lengthy and heartfelt tribute to the late star in which he also revealed that a GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of Birch’s family.
Talented British actor Kyle Birch sadly passed away at the age of 26 on Monday evening, December 2. The founder of London-based talent agency Russell Smith Associates Ltd, who represented Birch, took to X to announce the news and share reflections about the life the young star led and the incredible person he was.
After noting his heartbreak over the death of his client and close friend, Russell Smith expressed, “Kyle was a truly remarkable talent, with vocal abilities that could move audiences to tears. His voice wasn’t just beautiful–it was soulful, powerful, and deeply resonant, capable of conveying emotions that stayed with you long after the final note.”
Expanding on Birch’s persona outside the entertainment space, Smith labeled the late star as “the most tender and lovely man” he could have ever hoped to work with. The late actor was also a kind-hearted and gentle individual, who “made every interaction special.”
Birch’s grieving agent went on to shower him with compliments about how impactful his lovely smile and presence were, noting how Birch had an energy capable of uplifting and inspiring many people.
“Kyle’s star shone brightest when he took on the role of Usher in ‘A Strange Loop’ at the Barbican. As the leading man, he delivered a performance so profound and nuanced that anyone lucky enough to witness it could see just how extraordinary he truly was,” boasted Smith in his message.
“A Strange Loop,” which was on show from June 17 to September 9, 2023, follows the story of “a Black, queer writer” caught in a loop of writing musicals about being such.
According to the theater production’s description online, “‘A Strange Loop’ exposes a young Black artist grappling with desires, identity and instincts he both loves and loathes. Hell-bent on breaking free of his own self-perception, Usher wrestles with the thoughts in his head, brought to life on stage by a hilarious, straight-shooting ensemble.”
Created by critically acclaimed and award-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson, “A Strange Loop” received stellar reviews from various iconic outlets such as the Evening Standard, the Guardian, the Financial Times, Time Out, and the Independent, to name a few.
While starring in the production, Smith said that Birch “poured his heart into every moment on stage, leaving an indelible mark on all who watched him.”
His nuanced performance also showed incredible range, with Smith highlighting how Birch prompted him to laugh at one moment and be moved to tears the next.
Smith went on to note being an agent to Birch as a privilege more than a job, as the late talent “became an integral part” of his life.
“I was his biggest champion and his biggest fan, which makes sharing this heartbreaking news all the more difficult. His passing leaves an unfillable void in the lives of all who knew him and in the hearts of those who admired his artistry,” disclosed Birch’s agent.
Following a reiteration of how near and dear, and one-of-a-kind Birch was, Smith expressed his condolences to the late 26-year-old’s family and loved ones.
He also alerted the public that a GoFundMe account has been set up to help Birch’s family, whom Smith stated “would be extremely grateful for any donations” toward covering Birch’s funeral costs.
“Rest in peace, Kyle. You will be missed more than words can ever express, but your legacy will live on in every heart you touched […] I love you, Kyle. Russell x,” concluded Smith.
He accompanied his statement with beautiful photos of Birch, including an image of the duo that the agent called his favorite.
Thus far, approximately $26,253.48 (£20,560) has been raised on the GoFundMe page, exceeding its original goal of about $12,769.20 (£10,000) in just 48 hours after its creation. A woman named Alice Catherine Field is organizing the GoFundMe, alongside another woman named Megan.
Outside of the statement that Smith penned on X, a man named Andrew Keates, who had the opportunity to direct Birch in many concerts with Ben David Papworth, also spoke out.
“He lit up every room he entered and possessed perhaps one of the most soulful voices I’ve ever heard. His talent shimmered, and at 26, it seems so impossibly unfair to lose him so young,” wrote Keates in a Facebook post that included a photo of Birch smiling.
While Birch is widely recognized for his role in “A Strange Loop,” he has starred in other productions as well. One of which saw him feature as Brenda Dee Cankles alongside actors Tessa Albertson and Anders Hayward in “I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Macguire.”
The theatre production is about the leader of a devout online Tobey Macguire fan club who “decides to risk it all for love, kidnap Tobey Maguire, and marry him… in her basement.”
as “Bobby/Buster/Ensemble” in the musical “The Color Purple.” Buzzing with excitement, the late actor announced the news via a post on Instagram, which also included the sweet reaction his mom, who was full of joy, had when she found out.
At this time, we extend our deepest condolences to Birch’s mom, other family members, loved ones, and friends who are mourning such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, Birch.
