Lea Michele is mourning the death of Duncan Sheik, the Grammy- and Tony Award-winning composer whose "Spring Awakening" music helped launch one of the defining roles of her Broadway career.
The "Glee" alum remembered Sheik in an Instagram Stories post on Sept. 18, one day after the "Barely Breathing" singer and "Spring Awakening" composer died at 56. Michele originated the role of Wendla in the musical, moving with the production from off-Broadway to Broadway in 2006.
"I met Duncan when I was 14 years old," Michele wrote. "I listened to a demo on tape of him singing songs from Spring Awakening outside of my middle school before my first audition. I’m at a loss for words. This one hurts and does not seem real."
Michelle continued: "Thank you for
everything you gave us. And for the time we had together. Sending all my love and prayers now to Nora, Ines, and Duncan’s family."
What was Duncan Sheik's cause of death?
Sheik died Sept. 17 at a Manhattan hospital, one day after a statement on his Instagram account said he was receiving medical care and remained in "critical but stable condition." His family did not disclose the nature of his condition at the time.
His mother, Suzanne Sheik, told The New York Times that he died of organ failure. A statement confirming his death the following day described Sheik as a "singular talent" and "deeply influential voice in music and theater," adding that he died "surrounded by love."
Sheik is survived by his wife, Nora Ariffin, and their 7-year-old daughter, Ines.
Duncan Sheik's journey from 'Barely Breathing' to Broadway
Sheik raised his profile with "Barely Breathing," the breakout single from his self-titled 1996 debut album. The song spent 55 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy nomination for best male pop vocal performance before he built an acclaimed career composing for the stage.
Sheik teamed with lyricist and playwright Steven Sater to create "Spring Awakening," which opened on Broadway in 2006 and won eight Tony Awards the following year, including best musical. Sheik won for best original score and best orchestrations, while the cast recording later earned a Grammy for best musical show album.
Before his death, Sheik had been working on "Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen," a new musical scheduled to begin performances off-Broadway in September.
Contributing: Sameen Chaudhry, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lea Michele remembers Duncan Sheik after his death: 'I'm at a loss for words'
