Kellie Dickerson Dead at 53: Musical Theater Star's Cause of Death and Devastating Health Issues Explored

Musical theater director Kellie Dickerson has died. She was 53.

Kellie Dickerson, a musical theater genius who worked on famous shows like "Wicked" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," has died at the age of 53 following a "cruel" battle with health issues.

Multiple media outlets cited a statement from her agent, Working Management, to deliver the heartbreaking news.

Kellie Dickerson Dead at 53

Per Working Management, Dickerson's death occurred a few years after she was diagnosed with a rare brain condition.

According to The Mirror, the musical theater director battled Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects involuntary functions of one's body - from motor control to blood pressure.

It shows similar symptoms to those of Parkinson's disease, and it has no cure. Per medical studies, a person diagnosed with MSA has seven to ten years of life expectancy from the moment the first symptom emerges.

Working Management said it was both a "joy and honor" to be Dickerson's friend and agent, calling the late creator a "true icon of the industry."

Following the announcement, her colleagues and friends remembered her in their heartfelt tributes.

"Rest in peace darling Kellie & fly high beautiful lady - MSA (multiple systems atrophy) is the cruellest of neurological diseases - I know full well as this is the same disease that took my sister's life away. Now you can be reunited with darling Rob," actress Rhonda Burchmore said.

"So sad to hear about Kellie Dickerson. Always looked forward to seeing her conduct as a teen Wicked fan leaning from the front row into the pit or turning around to watch the monitor screens. Such talent gone too soon. RIP," a fan wrote.

A third said, "Vale Kellie Dickerson. A sad loss to our MT industry but more than that, she was a beautiful, generous and nurturing human being who will be missed by all. Be at peace Kellie, you can rest now."

Dickerson retired in 2020 as the health issue continuously progressed. She moved back to New South Wales, Australia, where her parents took care of her until her last day.

Details about the funeral and memorial services have yet to be shared with the public. Her family, as of press time, has not released a statement to address the loss.