Justin Brennen Leath, 25, who performed during three seasons at the Utah Shakespearean Festival from 2003-05, died following his Sept. 22 performance in the new off Broadway musical, "Walmartopia." It was reported that he died of complications from diabetes.
Leath's most recent credits, including work in New York City, San Francisco and Berkeley, Calif., listed his name as Brennen Leath. When he was performing in Cedar City, he was Justin Leath.
R. Scott Phillips, festival director, said the actor was " ... one of the most gifted young performers that I've seen in a long time."
Leath received the Michael and Jan Finlayson Memorial Acting Award for his work during the summer of 2004, his second season with the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Contacted by phone in Cedar City, Phillips said the award is presented annually to young performers who show great promise, and the award always goes to someone who is returning to the company following work during the previous year. "It's not for a specific role," explained Phillips.
During his time in Utah, Leath performed in "Richard III," "1776" and "Born Yesterday" during 2003; Prince John of Lancaster in "Henry IV" and one of the Cockney quartet in "My Fair Lady" in 2004; and Benvolio in "Romeo and Juliet" and Bliant in "Camelot" in 2005.
"He was a heck of a dancer and one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet," said Phillips. "He also had a good handle on classical languages."
Leath's obituary can be found on www.playbill.com.
A memorial service was held on Thursday in San Antonio, Texas, and Phillips indicated Leath would be buried in Knoxville, Tenn. Contributions in Leath's name may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation (www.diabetes.org).