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Shannon Tavarez Dies: Young Lion King Star Dies From Leukemia
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by Amy Judd | November 2, 2010 at 07:40 am
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Shannon Tavarez, Who Played Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, Has Died at the Age of 11
The young Broadway star suffered from acute myeloid leukemia, and had received an umbilical-cord transplant in late August, but it is with sad news that we announce she has passed away.
According to Broadway World, Shannon received the transplant as an alternative to a bone-marrow transplant and doctors received the cord blood from an anonymous donor after they could not find a bone marrow match.
She was diagnosed with leukemia last spring and has spent much of her time in hospital since then; recently she was in children's ICU.
Shannon got the role of Young Nala after her first open audition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. She attended Harlem School of the Arts for vocals and piano from the age of 3. Her coach was the person who encouraged her to audition.
She stared in four shows a week from September 2009 to April 2010 when she was diagnosed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (1)
at 15:30 on November 2nd, 2010
My heart is breaking to hear the news that Shannon Tavarez has lost her life to leukemia. This very special talented young girl was a beautiful child and I am sure her parents was so very proud of her. Evidently God needed a special Angel and that is why he chose Shannon. When I say my prayers tonight I will be praying for Shannon and all of her family. God Bless All of You.