The Encore: Clifton Lives Within Us

Clifton Oliver

Life Story

CLIFTON DUSTAN OLIVER DECEMBER 3, 1975 - AUGUST 2, 2023

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Clifton—affectionately known as “Cliff”—developed a flair for the dramatic early in life. His unique panache would serve him well in adulthood. While growing up on Jacksonville’s east side, young Cliff unapologetically shared his talents with adoring neighborhood audiences, who routinely showed appreciation for his gifts with loose change. As an adolescent, Cliff could be found practicing dance routines and performing vocal exercises in the family garage, all in preparation for the extraordinary career that would follow. He graduated from Douglas Anderson High School of the Performing Arts in 1995, where he began began to hone his craft. Cliff’s amazing talent was matched only by his drive and ambition. His vibrant spirit, commitment to excellence and go-for-broke mentality made him an instant success in the musical theater world up North and out West. It didn’t take long for Cliff to make a name for himself and to become one of Broadway’s most influential performers of his time.

Clifton left an indelible mark on every role he played and in every performance he gave. He mesmerized audiences as Simba in the hit musical The Lion King—first in the Las Vegas and Los Angeles productions, then in the show’s national tour, and finally in the show’s Broadway production, where he delivered iconic performances. While appearing as Simba on Broadway, Clifton had the honor of making a memorable appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show—to the delight of millions of viewers. He would later go on to garner critical acclaim as Benny in the original cast of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights, starring opposite pop sensation Jordin Sparks. One Broadway observer praised Clifton for his “natural chemistry and smooth vocals [that] dazzled crowds.” Throughout his flourishing career, Clifton would star in other prolific stage productions across the United States and around the world, including Grease, The Scottsboro Bros, Wig Out!, Rent, Kinky Boots, Wicked, Bella: An American, Tall Tale, and Ragtime.

In addition to his theater work, Clifton appeared in TV shows like Law and Order: Criminal Intent and in films like Whirlwind (2007). Despite venturing into other arenas, musical theater remained Clifton’s true love. Recognizing his immense talent, Berry Gordy handpicked Clifton to portray him in the musical Motown in 2014.

Clifton was more than just an exceptional performing artist. He was a remarkable human being who radiated love, positivity and light to all he encountered. In an article announcing Cliff’s passing, one New York media outlets made a point of noting his “infectious smile” that “never wavered.” Cliff had a way of making everyone he met feel as if he or she mattered. As his sister expressed in a social media post, “he brought so much light to this world . . . he impacted the lives of people throughout the world as he showcased his amazing talent, kind soul and loving spirit to EVERYONE he met.”

In August 2, 2023, our dear Cliff had his final curtain call. Family and friends surrounded him in the days leading up to his transition.

Cliff took his last breath peacefully with his mother and partner at his side. He had a beautiful smile on his loving face.

Cherishing his memory are Clifton’s mother, Jeanette Holmes of Jacksonville, Florida; his sister Roxy (Sam) Hall of Jacksonville, Florida; his older brother Eddie (Andrea) Oliver of Crawfordville, Florida; his two younger brothers Johnathan Oliver and Matt Holmes, both of Jacksonville, Florida; his two nephews: Samuel Patrick Hall, Jr. and Eddie Oliver II; his three nieces: Lauren Hall, Julia Oliver, and Madison Oliver; his partner Richard Ramsay of Long Island, New York; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, celebrating friends, and adoring fans everywhere.

The Program

Family Memorial CELEBRATION HOST

ROXY HALL

Prayer of Celebration – Johnathan Oliver Songs of Celebration – Total Praise Words of Celebration – Eddie Oliver Into The Mirror – Lauren Hall Prayer of Praise – Jerby Holloman

The Encore CELEBRATION CO-HOSTS

ROXY HALL AND RAHMAN JOHNSON Entrance of The Family – “The Circle of Life” Introducing Clifton – “Endless Night” Into the Mirror - Lauren Hall Love From The Douglas Anderson “DA” Family Jane Condon – Former Principal Mrs. Rouse - English Teacher Mr. Higgins – Theatre Teacher DA Music Theater – “Blow Gabriel Blow” Sara Sanders – Human Heart Celebratory Proclamations – Dr. Andrea Oliver Clifton As A… (2 minutes) Brother Uncle Cousin Nephew Fellow Entertainer Friend Good Morning, Love – Richard Ramsay “He Lives In Me” – Genesis Archer Words of Love – DeMone Seraphin He Lives In Me – Clifton Oliver Prayer of Praise – Eddie Oliver The Family of Clifton Oliver – “The Circle of Life”

HE LIVES The One who created the light and day, He is in the midst of all hearts to say, Hear me, oh Child, receive the gift of life, no more cries no more vengeance of strife.

Come and hear my Father's will, and give to him what belongs to him.

Long for the life of everlasting Heaven, and see our messenger the bird-raven.

I am here for you, so seek me and find; Heaven is where you should always be; My Father the King, oh God, you will see, and forever and ever He lives in me.

Amen Donna Lee Womack

DECEMBER 3, 1975- AUGUST 2, 2023