Source: IMDb
Legendary 'Benson' Actor Robert Guillaume Dies at 89
Source: IMDb
R.I.P. a true legend
Legendary actor Robert Guillaume, who is best known for playing Benson onSoap and then the spin-off named after the butler, died on Tuesday morning at the age of 89. According to his wife, Donna Brown Guillaume, Robert died at his Los Angeles home. He had been battling prostate cancer.
Guillaume had a long, distinguished career as an actor. He became a household name when he played Benson for three seasons on Soap and then the self-titled spin-off for seven seasons. Guillaume won Emmys for both shows, a supporting actor on Soap and then a lead actor Emmy for Benson. Interestingly enough, Guillaume had reservations about playing the character, but he changed his mind. Luckily he did because over the years the character evolved from a butler to someone who was running for Governor.
After the show ended, Guillaume appeared on a number of movies, including Lean on Me, The Meteor Man, First Kid, Spy Hard, and Big Fish. He also did the voice for Rafiki in Lion King.In 1998 he returned to television, starring in Sports Night. Guillaume memorably had a stroke on set, a scenario they worked into the script:
The stroke he suffered during Sports Night was written into the show. This was his return.
RIP Robert Guillaume pic.twitter.com/eURutArNo8
Kevin T. Porter (@KevinTPorter) October 24, 2017
All over twitter, celebritiesreacted to the death of the legendaryactor:
\u201cGiant of stage + screen. Also let's remember that Robert Guillaume was among the first celebs to appear at AIDS fundraisers. Thank you, sir.\u201d— Ava DuVernay (@Ava DuVernay) 1508880338
\u201cRIP to EmmyAward winning Army vet, star of stage & screen, Robert Guillaume. 1st black actor to play the title role in Phantom of the Opera\u201d— jesse Williams. (@jesse Williams.) 1508884169
\u201cClass, Grace & Talent Personified!! RIP Robert Guillaume\u201d— Samuel L. Jackson (@Samuel L. Jackson) 1508897633
\u201cRobert Guillaume radiated such warmth, light, dignity, and above all, class. That smile and laugh touched us all. RIP to the best boss ever.\u201d— Josh Charles (@Josh Charles) 1508878686
\u201cMaking him laugh gave me such pleasure. Remembering those moments now I'm tearing up. I loved that man. My thoughts are with his family.\u201d— Josh Charles (@Josh Charles) 1508878686
\u201cI last saw him a few years back when we did SN shoot for EW. He seemed frail but in good spirits. I wish I'd reached out to him more often.\u201d— Josh Charles (@Josh Charles) 1508878686
\u201cRIP Robert Guillaume....he was the first Phantom of the Opera I ever saw when it came to Los Angeles. Great actor.\u201d— josh groban (@josh groban) 1508876262
Source: Variety