UPDATE 12:27 P.M. EST: The cause of death for 13-year-old Broadway actress Laurel Griggs has been revealed.
David Rivlin, who claims to be Laurel’s grandfather, said she suffered a “massive asthma attack” which ultimately took her life. Hours after the sad news broke, he took to Facebook and shared an update with the star’s fans:
“It’s with heavy heart that I have to share some very sad news. My beautiful and talented granddaughter, Laurel Griggs, has passed away suddenly from a massive asthma attack. Mount Sinai was valiant in trying to save her but now she’s with the angels.”
The world of showbiz has just lost a young, rising talent.
We are sad to report Broadway actress Laurel Griggs has passed away at the age of 13, according to multiple reports. Per the starlet’s obituary, Griggs reportedly died on Tuesday, November 5 and a funeral service was held for her days later on November 8. The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
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The New York City teen boasted an impressive early career resumé before her life was cut short far too soon.
According to her IMDB page, Griggs made her Broadway debut at only six-years-old, starring as “Polly” in Rob Ashford’s musical production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 2013, opposite Scarlett Johansson.
From there, Laurel went on to snag another pivotal role playing “Ivanka” in the Tony Award-winning musical, ONCE, for almost two years. Her stellar performance garnered major praise and became the gig she was best known for.
Griggs’ noteworthy acting credits continued in 2016 when she appeared in the romantic comedy, Cafe Society, alongside Steve Carell, Blake Lively, and Kristen Stewart.
Additionally, Laurel also spent time on the small screen guest-starring on Saturday Night Live multiple times in 2017 and on the animated series, Bubble Guppies, too.
It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear this news, as it seems the young thespian had her whole life ahead of her and was bound for even more greatness someday. The tender age of thirteen is just way too early for anyone to go.
As expected, those close to Griggs have already begun sharing tributes to her across social media.
Actress Eliza Holland Madore, who also played Ivanka in ONCE, shared throwback pics of herself and Laurel penning a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of one of my Ivanka sisters. Laurel- you were always smiling and always made other people laugh. I’m so incredibly grateful that I got to know you. You will never be forgotten, and we will never stop loving you. Everybody in the Once Family is going to keep you alive through us. R.I.P. My heart goes to her family.”
As seen, (below):
And a Twitter account by the name of Young Broadway also posted a message in remembrance of the 13-year-old, too, writing:
“We are saddened to share that Laurel Griggs passed away this week at the age of 13. Laurel was a brilliant young lady who appeared on Broadway in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Once. We send our condolences to her loved ones at this difficult time.”
So, so sad.
Our thoughts are with Griggs’ close family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
[Image via Laurel Griggs/Instagram]
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