May 5, 2008

John Altieri Passes Away

May 5th, 2008

John Altieri
Kate Burton with John Altieri (Photo by James Sims at BroadwayWorld.com)

We are very sad to report that Jersey Boys national tour cast member/Vegas cast member John Altieri has passed away.

John, who played Bob Crewe (and many other roles) so wonderfully on the JB national tour, and was scheduled to play the same role at The Palazzo, passed away Sunday, May 4. Watching John take on the role of Crewe in both San Francisco and Los Angeles was truly one of the most memorable parts of the evening–with the audience’s nonstop laughter and applause following some of Crewe’s most hilarious lines. Off-stage, I will always remember meeting John for the first time at the stage door, back in SF in December 2006, as he thanked us for creating the blog and for supporting the cast. At the Opening Night party in Los Angeles, John was once again so gracious and welcoming, as we congratulated him on his performance. John Altieri was a truly kind, extraordinarily talented, funny, and appreciative gentleman who will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with John Altieri’s family, friends, and colleagues during this very difficult time.

16 Comments »

  1. His was a dream too briefly realized, a talent to briefly shared. He will be missed. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fellow cast members.

    Comment by Mama Lucy — May 5, 2008 @ 11:24 am

  2. My heartfelt condolence go to John’s immediate family and relatives. I was so saddened by that news. I have met him at the Ahmanson a couple of times and he was indeed a sweetheart. Jersey Boys have lost a truly talented and kind person. He will surely be missed.

    Comment by Mila — May 5, 2008 @ 12:43 pm

  3. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to John’s family and friends and the Jersey Boys family. IE

    Comment by irene eizen — May 5, 2008 @ 1:49 pm

  4. To all of John’s family, friends and cast mates.

    God Bless

    Jody

    Comment by Jody Cardillo — May 5, 2008 @ 1:52 pm

  5. My deepest, sincerest sympathy to John’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

    Comment by A — May 5, 2008 @ 3:09 pm

  6. I’m sorry to hear that as well, he’s a 2nd cousin to me and I’ve met him once, but more known to my mother. His mother, Eileen is my mother’s aunt. It’s so sad to see someone so young pass along, especially your own child. I hope his soul rests in peace.

    Comment by Michelle W — May 5, 2008 @ 3:11 pm

  7. John was a blessing to me…a dependable friend in need, an occasional employee, an exceptional talent and a fellow dreamer. My thoughts and prayers join those of his family and other friends. He will be sorely missed. To his family, please feel free to contact me for photos of John, as I have many from our various mutual endeavors–the little know “construction John.” Travel well, my friend, and give Spyder a hug for me….

    Robert Alan Clink

    Comment by Robert Clink — May 5, 2008 @ 3:12 pm

  8. Although I never met him, he was the Bob Crewe I saw 11 times in Los Angeles and Costa Mesa, and he always lit up the stage. I was so looking forward to seeing him in Vegas, and my heart breaks at this horrific news.

    Such a talented gentleman, and taken way too quickly from this world. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and loved ones.

    Comment by Carla — May 6, 2008 @ 12:07 am

  9. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with his family and friends. John, I hope you and Spyder are running up there in God’s Country together in Heaven.

    Comment by Tina — May 6, 2008 @ 1:00 am

  10. I offer my most sincere condolences to John’s family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

    Joe Picanzi
    CSHS 1987

    Comment by Joe Picanzi — May 6, 2008 @ 1:20 pm

  11. I am a Jersey Boy Mom (my son Taylor is in National Co.) and can only say how sad and shocked I am at John’s passing. My heart goes out to his family…..words are not enough to express my sympathy. I saw John in, gosh knows… how many performances and he always made me laugh. When John was on stage your eye immediately went to him…he had a natural ability and wonderful comedic timing. This was just too soon! He will be missed greatly.

    Comment by Deborah Williams — May 8, 2008 @ 2:05 pm

  12. My deepest condolences to the Altieri and Jersey Boys families…..

    After having the honor of watching John do what he does best several times in San Francisco and Sacramento, it’s definitely a shock when someone you watched perform professionally onstage, shook hands with and posed for a picture with just a few months ago is now gone…..

    Out of all the “Bob Crewes” out there, I would have to say that John truly captured the spirit of the character and performed it professionally day in and day out, in a way that captured audiences and made us believe we were actually seeing “Bob” on stage.

    At the stage door, he was still energetic unlike someone that just performed for 2.5 hrs., always greeted his fans with a smile and accommodated everyone’s autograph and photo op because he cared….. Now he’s gone, and I wished to see him perform once more at the Palazzo…..

    Rest in peace, John, and thanks for making my family laugh and we applaud your contributions to the Jersey Boys!

    Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — May 10, 2008 @ 1:43 pm

  13. Aw, I’m so sorry this happened! It’s hard losing someone…..my prayers go out to the family.

    Comment by Beth L. — July 3, 2008 @ 10:04 pm

  14. It has been just a little over 6 months since John passed away. It was my great pleasure to meet John in the UCLA graduate acting program, and to work on and in many shows with him. I miss his energy, his antics, and his creativity every day.

    Love you always my friend.

    Comment by David — November 6, 2008 @ 6:39 pm

  15. I had the honor and the pleasure of working with John in several Hoof-n-Horn productions at Duke University in the early ’90s. A rendering of his beautiful eyes looks out at me now from a poster of our production of Cabaret — John’s Emcee was truly inspired. Learning of his death just today shocked and saddened me. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who knew him and loved him.

    Comment by Meg — November 19, 2008 @ 6:06 pm

  16. I was John’s kindergarten teacher back in Brockton, MA. He was a warm and fun loving little boy who’s personality and interest in all things stood out. I think about John so often… so often. I wished I’d had the chance to see him onstage. I’m sure he set himself apart from his fellow actors. He is missed by so many.

    Comment by Denise Lipper — April 28, 2014 @ 7:09 am

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