Mystery Behind Harvey Evans' Death: Famed Broadway Actor was 80

Harvey Evans, a famed Broadway actor popularly known for his roles in the musicals "West Side Story," "Follies," "Gypsy," and more, has passed away at the age of 80.

His friend, co-actor Lawrence Leritz, confirmed the tragic news to The Hollywood Reporter, saying he died during Christmas Eve at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey.

The singer/dancer said his co-star was dearly loved by everyone he has worked with. "Very kind, embracing, funny and always had a smile on his face. I can never remember being hugged by this loving man," he added.

At the time of this writing, his cause of death remains a mystery as neither the actor nor his family members confirmed it. Evans spent his early days in Cincinnati, he found the love for musical theatre as a kid after watching a production of "Song of Norway."

In a previous interview with Playbill, the actor said he always wanted to finish high school as a kid and move to New York to be in a Broadway show.

Little did he know, his dreams will come true in the near future as he embarked on a new journey in the big apple in 1955.

When he moved to the city, he became friends with famed choreographers Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins, he later took the stage for his first musical ever on the Broadway show "New Girl in Town," featuring Gwen Verdon.

The actor, who was born Harvey Hohnecker, changed his screen name after getting a small role in "Experiment in Terror," directed by Blake Edwards. Evans starred alongside Lee Remick and Glenn Ford.

Ever since, his career skyrocketed as he was cast in several more films and musicals such as "Redhead" and "The Pajama Game," but his biggest highlight was in the 1969 revival of "Our Town" and his role as a chimney sweep in "Mary Poppins" along with Julie Andrews.

Fans Pay Tribute to Harvey Evans

Broadway fans and colleagues immediately took to Twitter to pay homage to the ate Broadway actor after the news of his death circulated online.

SiriusXM host Seth Rudetsky recalled Evans' career, writing, Rest in peace, sweet and MULTI-TALENTED Harvey Evans. What a career!!! Literally got to play Tulsa with Ethel Merman during the original GYPSY run! Here we are with Harvey and Chita, 5 years ago during the gay pride parade

Tony award-winning actress Bernadette Peters also praised the actor by writing, "Harvey Evans was the dearest most talented being one could ever have the privilege of knowing RIP Dear Harvey. You are so loved by your theater family."

"Really hard to put into words what Harvey Evans meant to me. He was kindness personified. So funny and supportive. He came to every show I ever did and inspired me to keep going!" Tony Award-nominee Tony Yazbeck wrote.