Trailblazing Asian American stage and television actor and singer Alvin Ing has passed away due to Covid at the age of 89.
Deadline reported that Alvin passed away Saturday at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California of complications arising from Covid-19.
This is despite the fact that he was double-jabbed against the disease.
His reps at Shushu Entertainment had previously confirmed his passing, but on Tuesday they revealed Alvin was first diagnosed with pneumonia in mid-July and then confirmed to have coronavirus days later.
He battled the disease for two weeks, but succumbed to cardiac arrest.
“Honolulu native and American Army veteran with a gift to serve, [Ing] felt a duty to himself and his fellow citizens to be fully vaccinated,” said spokesperson Shaina Manlangit in a statement approved by Shushu.
(Image: Getty Images)
To die from Covid after being double vaccinate is thought to be extremely rare, with the CDC saying only “a small percentage of fully vaccinated people who [will] still get sick, are hospitalized, or die from COVID-19.”
Alvin’s death caused a flurry of heartfelt reactions from his former castmates.
Alvin was a Broadway star, making Great White Way debut in 1976 in Stephen Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures and appearing in various versions of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song over the years.
He also starred on many popular TV shows, from The Doctors in the mid 1970s to Hawaii FIVE-O.
Alvin also appeared in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Law & Order: Criminal Intent, All-American Girl, Troop Beverly Hills, Dynasty, Dallas and Knots Landing.
BD Wong, who co-starred with Ing in Broadway’s 2004 revival of Pacific Overtures, said: “Since forever, the reputation of Asian American actors has been defiled by a well known, but rarely spoken, sentiment: we will never be as good as our colleagues of other colors, never mind better.
(Image: WireImage)
“One day Alvin Ing sang for me, and I finally knew, for keeps, that anyone who thought this was pitifully mistaken.”
Lea Salonga, who starred with Ing in Broadway’s Flower Drum Song, said: “His voice was glorious and filled the room with its flawless sound, but beyond that, his sound was steeped in joy. Alvin was a joyful presence to be around at every rehearsal and performance.
“Beyond that his voice always sounded incredible, he brought a sweetness and kindness everywhere and to everyone. There was always a gentleness to him, but also a sassy sense of humor.
“He was a gift to everybody that got to work with him, and I’m only extremely blessed to have had that opportunity.”
She also took to Instagram to share pictures of Alvin, captioning them: “Fly amongst the angels, Alvin! Rest In Peace… already you are missed.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
