'Lion King' Actress Shannon Tavarez Dies at 11

By PopEater Staff Posted Nov 2nd 2010 08:47AM

Shannon Tavarez, a young soprano who starred in 'The Lion King' on Broadway, has died at age 11 after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia, Broadway World is reporting. The actress played Young Nala from September 2009 until April, when she began feeling pain in her lower back and legs. Soon, the emerging star was diagnosed and the search for a donor began.

Her story drew the attention of numerous celebrities, including Alicia Keys and Rihanna, who led campaigns to find a bone-marrow match for Tavarez.

But doctors were unable to find a match for a bone-marrow transplant, so as an alternative she received umbilical-cord blood treatment in August. Since leaving 'The Lion King,' Tavarez had undergone extensive chemotherapy and had been staying at a New York City hospital.

Tavarez got the role of Young Nala after wowing producers at her first open audition. According to Broadway World, she attended Harlem School of the Arts for vocals and piano and started singing at age 3.

In 'The Lion King,' Young Nala and Young Simba sing the bouncy song 'I Just Can't Wait to Be King.'

Leave your thoughts and prayers for her family on Facebook

Tags: Shannon Tavarez, The Lion King

Comments

(85)

Tuesday 02 November

By Charles

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My Deepest and most sincere thoughts are with you at this time. I know she is with God now,no more pain and no more suffering.She's smiling like she always does.May God Bless you and your family.

By Marie

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To the family and loved ones of this beautiful child - you now have a beautiful angel to watch over you. May God bless you and keep you in your time of sorrow.

By Michael

Although I have neither seen, nor thought of seeing 'The Lion King' Broadway show, reading about the death of the young Shannon Tavarez actually brought a tear to my eye. I can imagine the sky would have been the limit for the young Shannon and her acting career, had she not had leukemia. This is just so sad. My condolences to her family and friends. R.I.P. in heaven, Shannon. Your suffering is over now, as you're in a better place.

By Mr. New York

she showed me how not to give up and that there is always something in life worth fighting for even though she is gone, but not forgetten My condolences to the family R.I.P Lil Shannon a.k.a Lil Nala You will be Missed

By Tom Bitterman

I had a sister who survived because a match was found for her 5 years ago. I urge all of ethnic background to consider a simple test to register as a donor. I especially ask those of other than white or caucasian races to register, because that is where there seems to be a much smaller registery.

By mbonhamwolv

This is such a tragedy to lose such a young child, especially a child with such talent, as it took her all the way to Broadway. Who knows how far she could of gone on Broadway with a voice such as hers. Reading the story on AOL about her death brought a tear to me, a young 40ish male. My condolences to the family and friends of Shannon....R.I.P., Shannon.

By Diane Taylor

Condolences go out to the family amd friends of this little girl.I had the pleasure of seeing Shannon in the Lion King,what a spectacular little actress.

God Bless

Wednesday 03 November

By Tia

I love everything about the Lion King the Broadway, all 3 movies, and the tv series(Timon&Pumba)! I've had a chance to only see the Broadway once, and would have been honored to see this young starlette. May she rest in peace, and her family and friends may heal through love and prayers in this tragic time, and never forget her time here on Earth. And for once it's nice to see a message board filled only with love and prayers for this heart breaking story. RIP Shannon Tavarez.

By Aerin

This is just plan sad. What a wonderful little girl and very talented. She is in a much better place now.

By Sam

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NEVER HEARD OF HER.

By Sandy

This could of been avoided if more people would just check out how to be a live donor. My brother lives today because of someone donating a little spit, then later, one day of his life in a pretty much painless procedure and became a hero.. saving a life.

By AML Mom

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So sorry sweet pea and to your loving Family and friends...My 12 year old son has been fighting AML for almost 3 years now. I now know there is another beautiful Angel looking down on him.......

By MD

You are now an angel in the sky above where you'll be forever young. Prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow.

By JEB BUCKINGHAM

It is heartbreaking to read of the death of a child, especially one so full of talent and promise. God has a new angel in Heaven with Him today. God bless you, Shannon. Rest in peace.

By ss

condolences to her family and loved ones...GOD bless them and sweet rest in GOD's arms for this child.

By lindyskye

this story brought tears...I'm so sorry...for the suffering and fear she must have endured and for the family and friends she left behind! how can we spend so much time, energy and money on wars when the world should band together to find cures?

By Khalada Salaam-Alaji

This is more than sad... GOD help us all...

By Heather

God Bless this beautiful little angel! My thoughts, prayers and love are with her family. May God watch over all of you!

By ladycrisperfst

My heart is breaking. May God give them peace.

By Chrys

that is really truly sad. God bless her soul and aid her family at this time. makes me want to donate to st jude or somethin.

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