As fans and friends of Peabo Bryson learned that the R&B icon had died on June 2, 2026, the cast of Broadway’s hit show “Titanique” was among those gutted by the news.
The Broadway spoof of the movie “Titanic,” hilariously told through the perspective of “My Heart Will Go On” crooner Celine Dion, is full of funny gags and guest “appearances,” including a dream sequence in which Bryson, played by actor Layton Williams, shows up. What’s the connection? In real life, Bryson and Dion scored a massive, Grammy-winning hit with their “Beauty and the Beast” duet in the 90s Disney classic.
‘Titanique’ Cast & Crew Praise ‘Extraordinary’ Peabo Bryson, Saying His Voice is One That Truly Will Go On ‘Forever’
Getty“Titanique” originated in Los Angeles in 2017, moved off-Broadway and became a cult hit, and finally debuted on Broadway in April 2026 for a “strictly limited run,” per Variety, earning four Tony nominations in the process. While the 90-minute romp is clever and campy, the cast’s tribute to Bryson was anything but, making clear that including a nod to him in the show has always been done with great reverence.
Upon learning of Bryson’s death at 75, two days after he suffered a stroke, the production posted a social media tribute to him that began by asserting, “Some voices become part of our lives forever.”
“Peabo Bryson’s extraordinary voice and timeless music have touched generations of listeners around the world,” the tribute continued. “As a cherished part of TITANIQUE, his artistry has also brought joy, laughter, and inspiration to our stage night after night. We are deeply saddened by the news of his passing, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones.”
The show’s tribute concluded with, “His legacy will live on through his music and in the hearts of the cast, crew, and audiences of TITANIQUE. 💙”
Fans ‘Devastated’ by Peabo Bryson’s Passing Thank ‘Titanique’ for Honoring Him
Thousands liked the post from the “Titanique” cast and crew, and many fans shared how sad they were to hear of Bryson’s death.
One wrote that the news was “so devastating, I’m glad he has a little part in your play, he deserves his flowers and you guys give him them every time you’re on stage💔🕊️”
Another commented, “So sad to hear this! He had a beautiful voice. Thanks for including him in Titanique.”
Someone else shared, “I’m so sad!! 😭 @laytonwilliams He will be with you every night on that stage! ❤️”
Williams, who stars as the Iceberg in “Titanique” in addition to playing Bryson, shared the show’s tribute to the R&B crooner in his Instagram Stories. Above a throwback photo of Bryson, Williams placed three emoji: “🎤🫶🏽🕊️”
“Titanique” isn’t the first time Bryson’s music has made it to Broadway. He and Regina Belle once surprised the cast and audience of “Aladdin,” known for their Grammy-winning duet “A Whole New World,” and she shared a video of the special moment in 2023.
After learning of Bryson’s passing, actress Arielle Jacobs, who played Jasmine in the production, posted a backstage video of their visit, saying she will never forget it. She wrote, “Peabo Bryson had a voice that came straight from Heaven. Maybe that means he is now singing alongside the angels up there. 🪽”
