Josh Gad Sets Departure Date from The Book of Mormon

Tony-nominated actor Josh Gad will depart the Tony-winning production of The Book of Mormon on June 6, according to the actor’s Twitter page. Gad is leaving to star and co-executive produce the new NBC White House comedy 1600 Penn. No announcement has been made about who will replace Gad as Elder Cunningham in the blockbuster musical.

In addition to the new sitcom, Gad is working on a new animated film Me & My Shadow, the upcoming sex-addict comedy Thanks for Sharing and the Steve Jobs bio film Jobs. He has also appeared in the movie Love and Other Drugs and is a frequent correspondent on TV’s The Daily Show.

Featuring a score and book by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon follows two mismatched Mormon missionaries as they are sent to Uganda to spread their religion. Upon arrival they learn their training may not have quite prepared them for the many challenges they are about to face. Co-directed by Parker and Casey Nicholaw, the musical earned nine Tony Awards including Best Musical. Gad's co-star Andrew Rannells is also expected to depart the production shortly to star on NBC's The New Normal, which will air Tuesdays this fall.