Share and Follow
Jodie Comer was forced to halt her performance on Broadway on Wednesday (June 7) due to breathing difficulties amid an air crisis in New York.
The 30-year old Liverpudlian actress is currently starring in one-woman show, Prima Facie, and is tipped to scoop a coveted Tony Award this weekend.
According to witnesses the Killing Eve star was 10 minutes late for the matinee performance before leaving the stage just three minutes in.
“I can’t breathe,” she said as she was helped away.
Attendees were then told an understudy would be taking over, according to Deadline.
READ MORE: New Yorkers ‘can smell smoke’ as Big Apple shrouded in haze from Canadian fires
A show spokesperson later confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that Comer “had difficulty breathing due to the poor air quality in New York City”.
Read Related Also: ‘Eight Is Enough’ star Adam Rich died of a fentanyl overdose
It comes after a second day of poor air quality as wildfires in Canada wreaked havoc on the West Coast. The city now has the second worst air quality of any big city in the world after Delhi in India.
Mayor Eric Adams said: “We recommend all New Yorkers limit outdoor activity to the greatest extent possible. Those with pre-existing respiratory problems, like heart or breathing problems, as well as children and older adults, may be especially sensitive and should stay indoors at this time.”
Prima Facie – written by Suzie Miller – follows Tessa, a criminal defence barrister whose view of the legal system changes after she is sexually assaulted.
The show was previously nominated for five Laurence Olivier Awards, scooping Best New Play and Best Actress, for Comer.
It also won all three of the categories it was nominated in at the 2023 WhatsOnStage Awards, for Best Play, Best Performer in a Play (for Comer) and Best Graphic Design.
The show continues its Broadway run until July 2.
