Mr. Maldonado was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Humble, TX, where he attended high school. He earned a degree in musical theatre from the University of Miami. He acquired his Actors' Equity card understudying Danny in Grease at Westchester Broadway, and later played the role at Lenape Regional Performing Arts Center in Marlton, NJ.
Last fall, he was Pedro in Man of La Mancha at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Off-Broadway, he acted in Latin Heat and Four Guys Named Jose.
Mr. Maldonado's other credits include Evita at Theatre Under the Stars, Sid in The Pajama Game at Mixed Blood Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club's workshop of Senor Discretion Himself, Carmen at La Jolla Playhouse, Juan Julian in Anna in the Tropics at Park Square Theatre, the title role in Aladdin at Children's Theater Company of Minneapolis, Pacific Overtures at the Arden Theatre in Philadelphia. At this last production, he met his partner of four-and-a-half years, Steve Pacek, who survives him.
"He loved music, exploring new places, taking pictures, eating, making people think, talking about everything, going to the movies, playing with animals, dancing, watching TV, his powerbook laptop named Jeannie, video conferencing with his family, talking about his family, singing, laughing and living in the moment," Pacek told Playbill.com. "He lived his life the way life is meant to be lived."
Mr. Maldonado is also survived by his parents, Maria and Jairo, brothers Jairo and Gustavo, and sister Gloria. A memorial service for Jorge Maldonado will take place on Jan. 25 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at 37 Arts, 450 West 37th St (at Tenth Ave). Jan. 25 would have been his 31st birthday, and to celebrate his life, a party will follow at Rosie O'Grady's, second floor, beginning at 6:30 PM. Rosie O'Grady's is located at 149 W. 46th St. (between Broadway & Sixth Avenue). The party will last into the evening, and friends are invited to come by whenever they can, and bring stories, memories and pictures.
Donations may be made to The Barack Obama Presidential Campaign or The Actors' Fund in Jorge's honor.
