Actor Set for Broadway Role Found Dead

NEW YORK —  The body of a Broadway actor who was set to take over the lead role in the hit musical “Les Miserables” has been found in his Manhattan apartment, two days after he called in sick.

Police said Tuesday they believe that actor Kevin Marcum, 31, died of natural causes. His partially decomposed body was found lying face down Monday in the living room of his apartment.

There was no apparent evidence of foul play or suicide, and detectives found no drugs during a cursory look through the actor’s apartment.

An autopsy by the city medical examiner’s office proved inconclusive, officials said.

“The determination of the cause of death will await completion of microscopic and chemical tests, as well as the completion of the police investigation,” spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said. She said that would take a week or two.

Cast members said Marcum, who played a minor character in “Les Miserables” but was scheduled to take over the lead role of Jean Valjean in October, missed Friday and Saturday’s performances.