Desperate Measures Peter Saide Has Died at Age 36.

Saide was an Australian actor who recently appeared on stage in Last Days of Summer at George Street Playhouse.

Saide’s first professional role was a version of Cinderella in Manila with Lea Solanga. His first role in America was Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys in Las Vegas. He went on to roles in Mamma Mia, Oklahoma and Beauty and the Beast. In film he appeared in Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg’s movie, “Other Guys.” On TV he appeared in the NBC series, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

On January 8th Saide wrote the following on facebook

A singer’s prayer:

Dear Cold and Flu Season,

Late Spring, I felt just like perfection,
Strong and clear and good.
Winter came, so one injection.
(I was told I should).

There’s concerts and auditions hailing. 
A job?! I would rejoice.
I feel my mind and body failing.
Please, leave me my voice.

Amen

On Valentine’s Day 2020, Saide uploaded a heartbreaking post to his Instagram page about being in the hospital having undergone the “hardest two weeks” of his life. Saide paid a tribute to his girlfriend, Shelby Putlak, also an actress. Saide said that Putlak had taken care of his dog, dealt with his concerned family members, as well as successfully auditioning for parts on the side. Saide said that he “lay in awe” his girlfriend, adding, “Every time I open my eyes she’s there. Sitting quietly, smiling and holding my hand. She has never, for a moment, shown weakness or any sign of complaint. It’s one of the greatest acts of love I’ve received in my lifetime.”

David Friedman stated “Oh Pete, we loved you so much. The moment you walked into your Desperate Measures audition we knew you had the part, and we kept you there all day to audition opposite everyone else. It was my joy and honor to know you. Shawn and I especially cherished the times we got to drive you home after the show, and the chats we had along the way, and the weekend you spent at our home when you came up to sing at church was so special. We will miss you desperately.”

Peter, you will be missed. I loved getting to know you and my heart breaks reporting this news.