Sir Mark Rylance (left) is grieving his brother Jonathan Waters (right) after he died in a crash
(Picture: ES Composite)Three upcoming West End performances by Oscar-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance have been cancelled following the sudden death of his brother in a bicycle crash.
Jonathan Waters, 60, tragically died from his injuries after being knocked from his bicycle.
Mr Waters was cycling in Oakland when he was hit by an oncoming vehicle, the Daily Mail reports, and despite being rushed to hospital, he died on May 28.
Three performances of Jerusalem - in which Mr Rylance plays the starring role of Johnny “Rooster” Byron - have been cancelled so he can attend his brother’s funeral in the US.
The three affected performances were scheduled between June 11 and 12.
Sir Mark asked ticket holders to understand his need to grieve his “beloved” brother.
“In order to attend his funeral in California, I unfortunately have to miss three performances of Jerusalem over Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th June,” he said in a statement.
“As I have no understudy to play the role Rooster Johnny Byron, sadly these performances have been cancelled.
“Sonia Friedman Productions, together with Nimax, are arranging additional performances at the end of the scheduled run to try and accommodate everyone who will be affected.
“I hope you understand my need to grieve my beloved brother and thank you for your support at this time. I hope you will be able to attend another performance of Jerusalem.”
It is not the first time the actor has grieved the death of a family member.
In 2012 his 28-year-old step daughter, Nataasha van Kampen died unexpectedly, reportedly from a brain hemorrhage.
Following her death the actor pulled out of the Olympic opening ceremony.
Sir Mark has returned, 13 years on, to the career defining role of Johnny “Rooster” Byron in Jez Butterworth’s three-hour modern twist on the classic play.
His character is wanted by council officials, ready to serve him an eviction notice. The play is set on St Georges Day in Wiltshire.
The cast also includes Mackezie Crook as Ginger, Kemi Awoderu as Pea and Alan David as The Professor.
Jerusalem is showing at The Apollo Theatre until August 7.
