Mr. Eric LaJuan Summers, an Astaire Award–winning actor and dancer, peacefully transitioned in New York, New York on Tuesday, April 9, 2019.
The Celebration of Life for Mr. Eric L. Summers will be held on Monday, April 22, 2019 at 11:00AM at Northern Missionary Baptist Church, 3333 Clara Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri with Visitation beginning at 9:00AM.
The Final Benediction, Committal & Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery.
Eric LaJuan Summers graced Paydrom E. L. Summers and Alfreda L. Summers with his presence on May 7, 1982. His dad, Paydrom Summers; his sister, Tara Trotter and his baby, Niko all preceded him in death.
Eric accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and attended Northern Missionary Baptist Church until he moved to New York. There he attended Glad Tidings Tabernacle.
He was educated in the Pattonville School District in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from the American Drama and Musical Academy in New York, New York.
Eric fell in love with the arts after he began singing at church and school very early in life. He performed with the St. Louis Symphony’s Children’s Choir and in numerous productions at Pattonville High School. His first actual “tour” was from St. Louis to South Carolina, Detroit and Canada, singing “A Whole New World.” He always told the family he was going to live his dream in New York, and he did!
Shortly after graduating from the American Drama and Musical Academy he began his Broadway career as Mereb in Disney’s Aida at the young age of 21 and went on to appear in The Wedding Singer, The Little Mermaid, Elf, and Motown the Musical, earning an Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Dancer in a Broadway Show. His additional credits included regional productions of Ain’t Misbehavin, Smokey Joe’s Café, Hairspray and Dreamgirls, along with TV and film with notable credit, The Greatest Showman.
Eric was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017; he was in the ensemble of Kinky Boots at the time having also understudied the role of Lola until his health failed. He passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 with his mother by his side. His passion, energy, humor; oh, such humor and genuine love for people will forever be remembered.
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