Actor Nick Cordero dies after gruelling coronavirus battle

After 95 days in hospital and many horrific setbacks, actor Nick Cordero’s wife has delivered the tragic update nobody wanted to hear.

Broadway actor Nick Cordero, whose brutal, months-long battle against coronavirus made headlines around the world, has died aged 41.

Cordero’s wife Amanda Kloots made the sad announcement via Instagram today, writing: “My darling husband passed away this morning. He was surrounded in love by his family, singing and praying as he gently left this earth.”

Kloots, 38, had been keeping fans updated over the past three months as her husband fought the deadly virus, facing horrific complications including having a leg amputated, suffering a lung infection and being given a temporary pacemaker. He lost more than 27kg as he battled the illness.

Nick Cordero and wife Amanda.

“I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him. Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband. Elvis and I will miss him in everything we do, everyday,” Kloots wrote, referring to the couple’s infant son, who recently turned one.

Kloots thanked those who had been in touch for the “outpour of love, support and help we’ve received these last 95 days,” saying that her husband “definitely put up a fight. I will love you forever and always my sweet man.”

Nick Cordero has passed away. Picture: Getty

Cordero was originally hospitalised at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles with a suspected coronavirus infection on March 31. He had to have his right leg amputated due to complications from the virus and was on a ventilator and unconscious for many weeks.

He also suffered two ministrokes and a septic infection, battled fungus in his lungs and was fitted with a temporary pacemaker for his heart.

Last month, Kloots revealed she’d been advised by doctors on multiple occasions to say her goodbyes.

“I’ve been told a couple times that he won’t make it. I’ve been told to say goodbye. I’ve been told it would take a miracle. Well, I have faith,” she wrote on June 4.

Cordero is best known for starring in the 2014 musical Bullets Over Broadway in the role of Cheech, for which he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.

Fans and entertainment industry figures are today paying tribute to Cordero:

RIP Nick Cordero! My condolences to you Amanda who fought and loved so hard....so sorry for his little one. My heart is with you. May flights of angels.....❤❤❤🙏🏿🙏🏿 https://t.co/nRE3AmS0A2

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) July 6, 2020

I didn’t know Nick Cordero personally but I’d been following his journey since he was hospitalized with covid 95 days ago. He fought so hard and today he lost his battle. What a tragic loss for his wife and baby.

— Fortune Feimster (@fortunefunny) July 6, 2020

We are so sad to loose our friend and Bronx Tale family member. He fought this virus with all his might. Our love and prayers to Nick's wife Amanda and his son Elvis. #RIP dear #NickCordero and keep everyone dancing! https://t.co/7O94hLgBRn

— jane rosenthal (@janetribeca) July 6, 2020

So very sad to hear of the passing of Nick Cordero, a Tony nominee for Bullets Over Broadway, who also starred in Waitress and A Bronx Tale. His valiant battle against coronavirus has been both an inspirational and heartbreaking story these past three months. He was 41.

— Ben Zauzmer (@BensOscarMath) July 6, 2020

Nick Cordero was 374 days older than me.

Stop being dismissive of the virus's risk.

Stop saying it's only a threat to the elderly and immuno-compromised.

Stop insinuating that those of us who are taking it seriously are doing so to score political points.

Just. F**king. Stop.

— Steve Vladeck (@steve_vladeck) July 6, 2020

I will miss you. You were a wonderful man. A wonderful husband. The happiest dad I knew. A good friend to me. My love & prayers go out to your family #NickCordero

— james m. iglehart (@jamesmiglehart) July 6, 2020

Many are also sharing the link to a GoFundMe page originally set up in April, to raise money for Cordero’s medical care and support his wife and young son. The fund has so far raised more than $618,000:

For those Nick Cordero leaves behind...https://t.co/PdGj6aWOLT

— Rob Bennett (@rob_bennett) July 6, 2020

In what was to become Cordero’s final Instagram post, the actor wrote back on March 20 - just days before his admission to intensive care - that he was “counting his blessings.”

“This one is top of the list,” he said, referring to his wife. “To say I’m thankful for her is the greatest understatement. She only spreads love in the world and does her best to make it a better place.”

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