Stephanie Bissonnette, best known for her portrayal of Dawn Schweitzer in the Mean Girls musical, has died aged 32, People reports.
The tragic news comes after Bissonnette was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the primary central nervous system, back in 2019.
Speaking to SurvivorNet, the actress opened up about the moment she felt she needed to go and see a doctor.
A "twinge" during a "cartwheel with no hands [which literally passed in two seconds — it was very brief, and I was able to finish the show that day," she said. "Then I called out of the show that night because I was like, ‘Oh, I think I might be getting sick or coming down with something.'"
The Broadway star then told the outlet that due to her physically demanding job as a performer, she was able to notice the signs earlier than someone in a "regular 9-5" would.
"I don’t think we would have found [the tumor] if I worked a normal 9 to 5 job," she explained. "Because I move so much and I do crazy things for a living — I’ve been doing it since I was 5 — just [that] little moment in the show [made me go], ‘Why am I having trouble today? There’s got to be something else going on.'"
After undergoing treatment that very same year, the 32-year-old was back on the big stage by October the following year for a Mean Girls reunion.
Speaking of her friends and fellow Broadway actors, she said: "I’ve very grateful for all of them. They’ve been very supportive and aware [that February is a big month].
"Last year, my whole life was falling apart. So, I’m a little more quiet and internal this month at work... They know it’s hard. They check in and make sure that I’m OK, but they also give me space to feel through it."
The show announced Bissonnette's death on Sunday with a heartfelt tribute.
"Our hearts are broken as the Mean Girls community mourns the loss of Stephanie Bissonnette," they wrote. "Our original Dawn Sweitzer, Stephanie was part of our Broadway company from our first performance to our last.
"She filled our theater with her laughter and friendship, inspired us with her fighting spirit and bravery, and graced our stage with the fiercest talent Broadway has ever known," the company wrote in a series of emotional follow-up tweets.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie’s family, friends, and the entire Mean Girls community during this time. We will miss her profoundly and encourage everyone to do something they love today in Stephanie’s honor."
Beyond musicals, Bissonnette was also a talented dancer who had choreographed for The Muny, Riverside Theatre, Seven Angels Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company.
As per the Daily Mail, she was also part of the documentary Ensemble, which focused on Broadway dancers during the 2020 Covid-19 shutdown.
Rest in peace, Stephanie Bissonnette. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time.
