HELLS KITCHEN — Broadway actress Vivian Eng died from injuries she suffered in a fire that tore through her apartment earlier in the week, friends and tenant leaders at her building said Thursday.
Eng, 51, who played a nurse in the 2009 Lee Daniels film "Precious" was overcome by smoke and flames in her home in Manhattan Plaza at 484 W. 43rd St. roughly 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to fire officials and neighbors.
She was listed in critical condition and transferred to New York Presbyterian burn unit, then died on Wednesday, according to friends and reports.
Fire marshalls believe the fire started from cigarette or other "smoking material" that hadn't been put out properly, according to the FDNY's Twitter account.
"Good Wife" actor Dylan Baker, who lived next door to her, had tried to find her in the flames, but rushed out of the building after calling her name several times, he told NBC.
Earlier in her career Eng danced for Martha Graham's dance company, then transitioned into dancing ensemble roles for Broadway roles like the "King and I," friends said. She later acted as an extra in shows like "Law and Order."
Friends remembered Eng as a loving friend who cared deeply about those around her and especially liked cooking for friends.
"She was always in the kitchen. It was a passion of hers and she loved making large meals," said Troy Lambert, 50, who had been close with Eng since they played ensemble roles in a production of Chess at Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey in the early nineties. "She would make these large meals for two people it would be too much food."
Eng's health had declined in recent years, she used a walker and had already spent time in the hospital earlier this year, friends said. She suffered from myopthy, a degenerative muscle disease, and arthritis.
"We often saw each other out on the plaza," said Douglass Leland, the building's Tenant Association President, who added that Eng had lived in the building for around a decade.
Once Eng's mobility had decreased, they used to joke about racing each other to the corner, he said.
"It's shocking how fragile life is, I'm very saddened by it."
