Australian theatre actor Luke Lynch, who was set to star in Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5: The Musical, tragically passed away at the age of 38. Luke was originally cast in the role of Dick in the stage musical, which was based on the 1980 film of the same name. The Rockdale Musical Society (RMS) announced his unexpected death just days before the show’s opening night. The RMS paid tribute to Luke on social media, describing him as a cherished member, castmate, and dear friend, and expressed deep condolences to his partner of three years, Dean Caines.
The opening night of 9 to 5: The Musical paid tribute to Luke by placing a photograph of him and a cowboy hat he wore in a previous role on stage. The RMS released an emotional statement honoring Luke and acknowledging the impact of his passing on the entire community. Dean Caines, Luke’s partner, also shared fond memories of Luke, mentioning his incredible singing talent and supportive nature. Dean set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs and organize Luke’s affairs. The campaign received over $4,000 in donations from family and friends, with Dean expressing gratitude for the support during this difficult time.
Luke Lynch, who in addition to his acting pursuits was also a veterinary nurse, was well-known in community theatre circles. He previously starred in Heathers the musical and had secured his dream role as Anthony ‘Tick’ Belrose in Priscilla the musical. Luke’s unexpected passing left a void in the theatre community, and Dean is seeking contributions from those who loved and cared for Luke to help cover expenses related to his passing. Dean emphasized the importance of celebrating Luke’s life in the best way possible and expressed appreciation for any assistance provided.
The loss of Luke Lynch was deeply felt by the cast, crew, production team, and the entire RMS community as they prepared for the opening night of 9 to 5. Luke’s absence was acknowledged and mourned, with the RMS expressing their heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to his loved ones. Luke’s impact on his community was evident in the outpouring of support following his passing, with individuals coming together to honor his memory and ensure that he was remembered in a fitting way. As the theatre community celebrated the opening night of 9 to 5, they did so with heavy hearts and a sense of loss at Luke’s absence from the production.
