Rising Broadway actress Laurel Griggs, has died at just 13-years-old, according to multiple reports .
Griggs first made her Broadway debut at just 6-years-old.
She played the part of Polly in Rob Ashford’s musical production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , opposite Scarlett Johansson.
Griggs is best known for her role as the longest running Ivanka in the Tony Award-winning musical, ONCE.
She performed the role for 17 months from 2013 through to 2015.
She appeared alongside Steve Carell, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake Lively and Kristen Stewart in “Cafe Society” in 2016.
In 2017, she appeared on “Saturday Night Live”, in which she appears in the episode’s cold open, “Visit with Santa”.
She passed away on November 5th.
A funeral service was held three days later, with donations being requested to support the Broadway Cares organization.
Her grandfather, David B. Rivlin, shared that her cause of death was due to a “massive” asthma attack.
“The world lost a real princess who only wanted to make the future happy for all. Acting was a just a childhood dream come true and she had big plans for the future,” her grandfather wrote in a Facebook post.
Her grandfather also shared that she was rushed to hospital, where she later died.
“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,” he wrote .
Laurel attended the Clinton School in the Chelsea neighborhood, which closed for a half-day in her honor.
Many of her cast members have taken to social media to share their condolences.
“My @oncemusical family tragically lost one of our youngest members this past week. We are heartbroken & devastated… We will never forget this sweet, talented, young soul,” wrote actor Lucas Papaelias.
Young Broadway shared the news on their Twitter, sending their condolences to her family.
Actress Eliza Holland Madore, who also played Ivanka in ONCE, shared a sweet tribute 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,” she wrote.
Actress Ripley Sobo also shared her condolences on Instagram.
“My @oncemusical family lost a piece of our heart. My Ivonka “sister”, Laurel, passed away Tuesday evening. She was always happy, smiling and free with her hugs every time I saw her. She will be missed so much. My thoughts and prayers to her family, friends and anyone who had the honor of being blessed by knowing her,” she wrote.
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“Black Mirror” actress Mckayla Twiggs shared her condolences on Instagram.
“Rest In Peace Laurel. I’m so grateful I had the pleasure of knowing you and getting to see your smile. The @oncemusical family won’t be the same without you, and you’ll be forever loved. Sending love to your friends and family. Fly high angel,” she wrote.
RIP.
