Nick Cordero has died at just 41 years old, following a lengthy battle with complications from the deadly COVID-19 virus. The news was sadly confirmed by his wife Amanda Kloots, 38, via Instagram on July 5, and tributes quickly began pouring in for the Tony Award-nominee. Nick’s best friend and former Bullets Over Broadway co-star, Zach Braff, 45, was heartbroken by his death. “Nick Cordero passed at 11:40am today with his mother and wife by his side. I can honestly tell you I have never met a kinder human being,” the Scrubs actor posted, including a photo of Amanda and Nick. “Don’t believe that COVID only claims the elderly and infirm. I am so grateful for the time we had. ‘We’ll catch up some other time’,” he added.
Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda, 40, wrote, “Devastating. What a loss, what a light. Whole heart with Amanda and his family tonight,” including a re-tweet of the terrible news. Viola Davis, 54, posted an emotional tribute to both wife Amanda and Nick’s only child, 1-year-old son Elvis. “RIP Nick Cordero! My condolences to you, Amanda, who fought and loved so hard….so sorry for his little one,” the Tony Award winner said. “My heart is with you. May flights of angels…..,” the Help actress added, including heart and prayer emojis.
Devastating. What a loss, what a light. Whole heart with Amanda and his family tonight. https://t.co/T3xfcAtw0E
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 6, 2020
Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson, 44, mourned the actor as he urged his followers to wear masks. “Incredibly sad news. Can we please do what we need to do as a country to fight this virus together? It doesn’t care how healthy you are. It doesn’t care if you want to go to Fire Island. It doesn’t care if you are tired of wearing a mask. Reign. It. In,” he posted.
RIP Nick Cordero! My condolences to you Amanda who fought and loved so hard….so sorry for his little one. My heart is with you. May flights of angels…..❤❤❤🙏🏿🙏🏿 https://t.co/nRE3AmS0A2
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) July 6, 2020
Sarah Michelle Gellar, 43, penned a gut-wrenching post about the Canadian-born star. “I’m not even sure what to say right now. Today @nickcordero1 lost his battle with COVID. For everyone out there thinking this disease is harmless, it’s not. Nick leaves behind a beautiful wife @amandakloots and the most precious son, who just celebrated his first birthday without his father,” the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum shared, captioning a sweet family photo of Nick, Amanda, and baby Elvis.
Sarah, who is a mother of two herself, added a strong message of support for Nick’s widow. “Amanda, because of this horrible disease, we can’t even hug you. But it’s important that you know, there is an army of people here, ready to support you in ANY and EVERY way possible,” she went on. “I wish you understood the inspiration that you have been to so many, and I hope that brings you even the smallest bit of comfort through all this. But none of this is fair. ‘Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal’ #ripnickcordero,” the Ringer actress concluded.
Hilary Duff, 32, revealed she had been “praying” for Nick and his family throughout the ordeal. “We were really praying daily for you guys. It was a constant conversation in our house..Seriously, if not every day, every other day we would talk about Nick and his progress and you and your baby and pray he would kick this things a–,” the Lizzie McGuire alum wrote. “The positivity you have demonstrated has been fierce and fearless and seemed super human when I’m sure the struggle felt lonely and terrifying at times…I know you will keep smiling and carry your love for Nick and who he was throughout you and Elvis’ lifetime. I’m sorry for the sorrow…But just know that so many people personally or strangers now are sending you mountains of love.”
Others also took to social media to mourn the Blue Bloods star, including Priscilla Presley, 75, and music legend Diane Warren, 63. “I’m so shocked to see the news today that Nick has passed. My heart and soul goes out to Nick Cordero’s beautiful wife and family. Rest In Peace, Nick,” Elvis Presley’s former wife tweeted, while Diane shared, “Rest in Power Nick Cordero. Such sad news. U fought so hard and are so loved. Prayers to your family and friends.”
Holly Robinson Peete, 55, praised Amanda’s “positivity” through the gut-wrenching 13-week battle. “Amanda Kloots’ husband, Nick Cordero,41 passed away this from COVID-19 complications. I’ve been following this story since the beginning (13 weeks),” she began. “Watching Amanda rally so hard with positivity, music, and love always with a smile on her face. This is just crushing,” the actress added.
my 💔 is broken over the loss of my friend Nick Cordero. As soon as I met him I knew God placed him in my life for a reason: He showed me such love, leadership through kindness, strength during difficult times, a true appreciation of life no matter what… https://t.co/0JzrKsKto1 pic.twitter.com/dLYxdmp4vz
— Frankie James Grande (@FrankieJGrande) July 6, 2020
Friend Frankie Grande, 37, shared a sweet photo of the two to Twitter after the news broke. “my [heart] is broken over the loss of my friend Nick Cordero. As soon as I met him, I knew God placed him in my life for a reason: He showed me such love, leadership through kindness, strength during difficult times, a true appreciation of life no matter what…,” the older brother of Ariana Grande penned.