Michael Burgess - Bring Him Home

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Michael Burgess was a popular Canadian actor and tenor singer, best known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the Toronto production of Les Misérables. Burgess performed as Valjean in over 1000 performances of Les Misérables at Toronto's Royal Alexandra theatre and on the Cross-Canada tour. Burgess is also known in Canada for his frequent vocal performances of national anthems; he was the first individual to sing "O Canada" at the baseball World Series. He recently passed away at the age of 70.

[@katyl8487]

My uncle was very good friends with Michael Burgess, theater school together. When my uncle died suddenly at 57, we were all pretty shocked and devastated. Michael sang this at his funeral. I've never been so moved by a song in my life, you could tell he loved and missed his friend. This was over 15 years ago now but I still think of that moment sometimes and I can still feel the warmth it brought.

[@garyl2594]

I saw Les Miserables 7 times in the late 80's and well into the 90's. No production could ever match the one I saw at the Royal Alexandrea Theater in July of 1991. And Burgess! His performance was transcendent. When he sang Bring Him Home, he did no obvious emoting, no gestures, his body was completely still. He looked up with his eyes focused to the heavens, never changing his gaze. It was as if his entire soul was directed upward. It was unforgettable. I kept returning to other productions hoping, somehow, to have the same experience. I never found it. I would give anything to see and hear him one more time in this role. That is not to be. RIP, Michael.

[@singtweetypie]

I saw the production four times at the Royal Alex and cried every time I saw it. I would have gone every month to see that show if I could have afforded it. It will always be my absolute favourite musical and Michael Burgess and that Toronto cast is the reason it just will always stand out over all others. I was also fortunate to see him perform at a large charity evening where he performed songs from the show. He was truly amazing.

[@katycan]

I absolutely agree with you, Gary. Mr. Burgess did not move until the very end when he brought his hands together in prayer. You could have heard a pin drop at the Royal Alex. Not only did he have an amazing stage presence, he was a truly nice man. Missed very much.

[@laurawong3815]

Beautiful description of a master at his craft! He will always be the definitive Jean Valjean.

[@trevorablett]

I had the most amazing experience watching Michael perform in Les Mis in 1989 in Toronto at the Royal Alexander Theatre. Absolute perfection.

[@lthorpe788]

Couldn't agree with you more he was magical. He left us way too soon.

[@SherriMcGurnaghan]

I was fortunate to work and travel with him as his production manager after Les Mis. Very missed.

[@cherylsmith9355]

Saw him 3 times in Toronto in this role. He and Colm are truly the best. Such a loss for the music world,

[@cyberageal]

So heartfelt. RIP Michael! Archangels await!

[@turandot3]

I will NEVER, EVER FORGET seeing Michael Burgess perform in Les Mis in Toronto at the Royal Alexander Theatre. Absolute perfection especially when he performed "Bring Him Home!! It tore my heart to pieces!! It was unforgettable!! Unfortunately I only saw Les Mis twice. I would give anything to see and hear him one more time in this role. God Bless him and may he R.I.P. 😢😢😢😢😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️💔💔💔

[@alisondennis4098]

I'll never forget seeing Michael in Les Mis at the Royal Alex. Came down with a group of high school students from northern Ontario where I was teaching. I cried most of the way through it. Heartbreaking that he passed away at 70.

[@bettymcdowall6944]

So beautiful !

[@robertwhelan9132]

This arrangement takes on quite a different feel with the guitar accompaniment (the original has only the piano). What a beautiful setting!

[@satu4100]

A voice of gold!

[@Spicertoons]

Amazing.

[@lynnerobertson5897]

Beautiful

[@vernfraser9737]

I knew Michael when he was a student at Ottawa University and I appeared in three productions with him for Orpheus Musical Theatre, He was known then as Wally. This was of course before he became a professional performer, It was he who arranged my tickets in two of the best seats for Les Miz in Toronto. I too was more than impressed with his portrayal of Jean Val Jean. I have seen that show many many times but when you know someone personally the feelings within you are very different than when you just know a performer via the media. I have enjoyed that experience twice with two different people that I knew when they were young. Michael was a very special person to all who knew him,

[@katycan]

Not only was I lucky enough to meet Mr. Burgess twice. He was also the best Jean Valjean (sp) I have seen.

[@lynnerobertson5897]

Amazing

[@CanadianKerryman]

RIP fella!

[@lynnerobertson5897]

Bu Beautiful

[@TorontoFoodGuy]

Maestro

[@formerhunter2]

Micheal Burgess founded a charity concert not far from where I live. The choir I sang with had the honor of singing alongside him, the Toronto Gospel Choir, Liberty Silver and more. His final performance was at that concert. He hid his face behind a bandanna and sunglasses. His voice was cracking, he had troubles standing at one point, and he had trouble holding his notes. But the raw emotion, the obvious musicianship, and the clearly fading majesty in his craft...God Damn. There wasn't a dry eye in that concert hall, and I'm not ashamed to include myself among those who wept. Michael died not long after, and I consider it a point of pride to have witnessed his final public performance. I never got the chance to see him in his prime, which is a crying shame. Some people should never fall, never fade. Some voices should echo in our ears forever. Michael is one of those voices. I hope you found your way home.