Broadway star Alvin Ing has passed away at the age of 89 his reps have confirmed.
The pioneering Asian-US actor who appeared on Broadway in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song died of Covid-19 complications in California.
His representation, Shushu Entertainment, confirmed he died on July 31 but it was disclosed on Tuesday that the star caught coronavirus despite having been fully vaccinated against it.
His reps revealed that he was first diagnosed with pneumonia in mid-July and confirmed that he caught Covid-19 a few days later. Following a two-week battle with the illness, his reps revealed he died due to cardiac arrest.
In a statement approved by Shushu, spokesperson Shaina Manlangit said: "Honolulu native and American Army veteran with a gift to serve, [Ing] felt a duty to himself and his fellow citizens to be fully vaccinated."
Deaths and hospitalisations due to breakthrough Covid are said to be extremely rare.
Ing starred in many Broadway hits throughout his accomplished career.
He made his Broadway debut in the 1976 original production of the Stephen Sondheim-John Weidman musical Pacific Overtures and also starred in various versions of Flower Drum Song throughout the years.
He also made guest appearance on the small screen on shows including Hawaii Five-O, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Troop Beverly Hills, Dynasty, Dallas and Knots Landing.
His death has led to many paying tribute to him in heartfelt statements.
BD Wong, who starred alongside Ing in Broadway’s 2004 revival of Pacific Overtures, said: "Since forever, the reputation of Asian American actors has been defiled by a well known, but rarely spoken, sentiment: we will never be as good as our colleagues of other colors, never mind better. One day Alvin Ing sang for me, and I finally knew, for keeps, that anyone who thought this was pitifully mistaken."
Lea Salonga, who starred with Ing in Broadway’s Flower Drum Song, took to her Instagram with a selection of old images in Ing's memory and wrote: "Fly amongst the angels, Alvin! Rest In Peace… already you are missed."
And many fans of the star also took to Twitter to share their condolences.
One wrote: "RIP, the wonderful Asian American theater actor Alvin Ing, whom I had the privilege of seeing in Pacific Overtures and Flower Drum Song. He inspired many younger performers."
Another penned: "RIP Alvin Ing. You were a staple of the Asian American Acting Community and we will miss you so much."
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