Doreen Montalvo, a much-admired and loved actress and singer, died on Saturday, October 17, as reported by her manager Steve Maihack. She was 56. The cause of death was as a result of a stroke she suffered two weeks prior to her death. Maihack said, “Doreen didn’t just light up the stage, she brightened the light in all of those around her. She was having quite the year with two films in the can and a new Broadway show…but she would be so happy to know she will live on through these projects and the outpouring of love from every corner of the business.”
Her most-known Broadway credits include In the Heights and Mrs. Doubtfire, but Montalvo was also well-known on the cabaret scene. Her solo cabaret act toured South America, the Caribbean , Mexico and up and down The Mississippi River. She also performed in a show she created called From The Bronx to Broadway, as well as I’ve Just got to Sing My Song, in cabarets all around NYC, including 54 Below, Joes Pub, BB Kings NYC, The Metropolitan Room, The Triad and The Laurie Beechman Theatre. She is also an alumna of the Eugene O’Neill Cabaret Symposium in Waterford, CT.
Montalvo recently reprised her role of bolero singer in Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of In the Heights and as an ensemble member in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story musical movie adaptation. Both films, capturing the actor’s final performances, are set to premiere in 2021.
On Broadway, Montalvo also appeared In On Your Feet! from 2015 to 2017. In 2017, she also portrayed Amelia in the world premiere of American Mariachi, which debuted at the Old Globe and Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Her Off-Broadway and national tour credits include Giant and Flashdance, Mamma Mia, La Lupe and Curvy Widow.
The actress also appeared in numerous TV series including “Law & Order,” “The Good Wife,” “Smash,” “One Life to Live,” “Elementary” and “Madam Secretary.” Other film credits, all from 2013, include The Tale of Timmy Two Chins, Jack, Jules, Esther & Me and Tracked.
Montalvo is survived by her husband, fellow stage actor Michael Mann, and her step-children.
Rest in Heaven. Dios te Tenga en su seno. You did so much. You knew what you loved. You lived doing what you loved. You did Amazingly. You lived.