Former Athletic Administrator And Kinky Boots Star Joe Coots Passes Away, Leaving His Old Father, Lynn Behind

Athletic administrator and star of the Broadway show, “Kinky Boots!” Joe Coots passed away on February 12, 2025, leaving behind his family to mourn his loss.

The Winnebago native’s unexpected passing has shocked both his family and fans, with many sharing cherished memories and expressing their grief.

Joe Coots was an entertainer and a football player during his college years.

In addition to his numerous talents, Joe was known for his charismatic personality and infectious energy.

He was a people person with a remarkable ability to connect with others, making him beloved by his colleagues and family.

After Joe’s passing, his friend Lisa shared a picture with him, expressing her gratitude for their friendship.

She expressed her emotions in the post’s caption, reminiscing about their heartfelt conversations and cherished moments together.

Joe Coots Was Passionate About Football Before Discovering His Love For Acting

Joe was best known for his role as Don on the First National Tour of the Broadway show, “Kinky Boots!”.

Initially from Winnebago, Illinois, he worked as an athletic administrator at The College of William and Mary and Northern Illinois University before transitioning to acting.

As a teenager, Coots played at Winnebago High School in the late 1980s and then for Rock Valley College.

From a young age, Joe gravitated toward sports, but his coach enrolled him in the theater department so that he could help with set construction while playing football in college.

He got a summer job building sets at Starlight Theatre between his first and second years because of his coach.

This small act from his coach became a significant turning point in his life, and he became interested in theatre and acting.

The following year, Joe found himself on stage, beginning his journey into the world of acting.

After college, he did not pursue a professional sports playing career and instead focused on his passion for acting.

In the years to come, he entered the world of acting and dedicated himself to entertain and bring joy to people.

He played many minor roles in multiple television shows, like “Nurse Jackie,“ “Modern Family,“ and “Chicago Fire.“

Joe’s big break arrived when he secured a role in the national tour of “The Full Monty.”

After that, Joe’s acting career flourished as he landed roles in various big productions and TV shows.

Joe Lost His Mother, Judie, In 2017, After Which He Continued To Honor Her Memory Before His Death

Joe Coots was born to his father, Lynn, and mother, Judie Coots, in a loving family in Winnebago, Wisconsin.

Growing up, his parents and family always stood by his side, encouraging him to pursue his dreams in sports, theatre, or acting.

Unfortunately, Joe experienced a significant loss when his mother, Judie, passed away on December 25, 2017.

Following his mother’s passing, Joe was there for his father, who had lost his wife and his family during their time of grief.

He continued to honor his mother’s memory by pursuing his passions and achieving success in his career.

On his mother’s birthday in 2018, Joe shared pictures to express how deeply he missed and loved her. He wrote:

Moreover, just a month before his death, Joe celebrated his father’s 86th birthday by posting a birthday message on his Facebook.

However, now, with his sudden passing, his family has been left to grieve the loss of a beloved person who touched the lives of many with his vibrant personality.

Additional Information

• Joe Coots graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from college but never pursued a career in law.
• Joe acted in more than 20 television shows, mainly appearing in more minor roles during the start of his career.
• After starting his acting career, Coots never looked back at his sports career, which he had dedicated himself to before acting.