Marquis Floyd, a member of the national tour ensemble of Disney’s “The Lion King,” died suddenly on March 23. He was an ensemble member and choreographer for the show. Disney Theatrical Group confirmed the death but has not disclosed additional details.
The March 23 performance of “The Lion King” at Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center was canceled due to the news. Performances resumed March 25.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Marquis Floyd, a cherished member of ‘The Lion King’ North American tour company,” said “Lion King” producer Anne Quart in a statement. “In the three years Marquis was with the tour, he brought his extraordinary talent to the stage and shared his warm humanity off stage. On behalf of ‘The Lion King,’ we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and friends. He will forever be part of our Pride.”
Floyd was a graduate of the Boston Conservatory and a recipient of the Gene Kelly Artist Award. He also worked with the Dance Theater of Harlem and the Bad Boys of Ballet. His other credits include the Super Bowl LV Halftime Show, the 2021 VMA Awards, the Apple+ series “Dickinson,” and “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Marquis was a Pinellas County Center for the Arts graduate of the class of 2013. He was a scholarship student at numerous prestigious schools for dance such as Boston Ballet, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, and Julliard. Floyd’s awards include placing 1st in Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition of 2013, Runner-up twice in the Tasco Performing Arts Mayor Competition, and finished top 10 in Youth American Grand Prix for Contemporary dance from 2010 until 2013.
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