Younger star reveals she suffered a miscarriage while performing on stage

Laura Benanti has revealed she suffered a miscarriage while performing live on stage this week.

The actress, best known for her role as Quinn Tyler on hit show Younger, opened up about her loss in a lengthy Instagram post.

Benanti, 43, is also a singer and had been performing in front of a 2,000 strong crowd on a Broadway Cruise on Monday when she became aware of what was happening.

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"I knew it was happening. It started slowly the night before. If it had been our first loss, or even our second, I likely wouldn't have been able to go on," she shared.

"But unfortunately, I am not a stranger to the pain and emptiness of losing a pregnancy. It is a path I have walked before, hand in hand with my husband."

Continuing to thank her band, the crew, audience and fellow performers for "rallying around" her, Benanti said the producers and teams could give a "masterclass" on how to handle a personal emergency with empathy and compassion.

Benanti is mum to daughters Ella, six and eight-month-old Louisa, who she and husband Patrick Brown welcomed via a surrogate.

Ella had joined her mum on stage at the event, and Benanti thanked her in-laws for helping to 'shield' her from what was happening.

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Benanti also acknowledged the loss of what was a very much wanted baby for the couple.

"Thank you to that little soul for choosing me as your home, even for a short time. Patrick and I are so grateful for the family that we have, and the miracle of our two little girls. One carried by me and one carried by an angel-on-earth," she shared.

"My husband and I are heartbroken but we will move through this together as we, and so many others, have done before. I share all of this, not to garner sympathy or attention, but to remind the many people and families who have and will suffer in this way that there is no shame in this kind of loss. That you are not alone. And to remind myself as well."

Many of her followers praised Benanti for her courage in speaking about her loss.

"I am beyond moved by your courage, your strength, your honesty and your resilience," fellow actress Brenda Strong commented.

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"Any one of us who have suffered this kind of loss understand what it took for you to stand on that stage. Most would have collapsed in the contrast of what was being demanded of you. But you used it as an opportunity to shine gratitude on others, and to receive support. This is grace."

Many who had experienced their own loss thanked her honesty, saying it helped them feel less isolated in their grief.

"I'm so proud of you! This moved me immeasurably – your Grace, heart, vulnerability and courage all together – heroically divinely feminine," added signer Jewel.

"Thank you SO much for sharing this story, Laura. Every time a woman does, I feel a little less alone in the world," said another fan.

"Thank you for sharing and making [me] feel connected to one more woman in my story of recurrent loss. It means so much," agreed another.

Benanti has alluded to previous pregnancy loss. In an Instagram post announcing Louisa's birth she said she and Ella were 'rainbow babies' and 'rainbow sisters'.

If you or someone you know has suffered pregnancy or infant loss please contact: Pink Elephants Support Network - pinkelephants.org.au, SANDS - sands.org.au, Red Nose Australia - rednose.org.au