Emmy Winning Actor Robert Guillaume Dies at 89
von Clayton Davis
Robert Guillaume, best known for his roles in the TV series "Benson" and as the voice of Rafiki in "The Lion King," has died at age 89.
Variety reports that Guillaume's wife, Donna Brown Guillaume, confirmed he died from complications of prostate cancer.
Robert Guillaume got his start on television in the 1960s. He appeared in episodes of "Marcus Welby, MD," "All in the Family," and "The Jeffersons."
In 1977, he joined the cast of "Soap," taking on the role of family butler Benson DuBois. That show received several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, winning several awards, including a Supporting Actor win for Guillaume. He was the first and is still the only actor to win Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
He also appeared in a number of other series and TV movies including a recurring role on "The Love Boat," among others. And he played Frederick Douglass in the mini-series "North and South."
Guillaume left "Soap," to take his character to the new series, "Benson," where he was the lead. The show followed the former butler to a new job as the Governor's Director of Household Affairs. In the series, Benson moved up the ladder to become Lieutenant Governor and eventually a candidate for Governor himself. It was a groundbreaking series in the 1980s and ran for seven seasons. "Benson" was nominated for Golden Globes and Emmy awards, and Guillaume won his second Emmy in 1985, becoming the first African American to win Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
After "Benson" ended, Guillaume continued to appear in television series and movies. But he was introduced to a new generation in 1994 when he voiced the wise oracle Rafiki in "The Lion King." He reprised the role in the sequels and the video game, as well.
In 1999, he suffered a stroke on the set of "Sports Night," an incident which was written into the show.
Guillaume was also a talented singer and stage performer, starring in several shows. His work in "Guys and Dolls" earned him a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. He dealt with controversy in 1990 when he took over the role of the Phantom in the national tour of "The Phantom of the Opera." Despite initial outrage, he ended up being a favorite of many audiences and critics.
Robert Guillaume leaves behind his wife, Donna Brown Guillaume, as well as three children.
What was your favorite performance by Robert Guillaume? Comment below and share your thoughts.
Variety reports that Guillaume's wife, Donna Brown Guillaume, confirmed he died from complications of prostate cancer.
Robert Guillaume got his start on television in the 1960s. He appeared in episodes of "Marcus Welby, MD," "All in the Family," and "The Jeffersons."
In 1977, he joined the cast of "Soap," taking on the role of family butler Benson DuBois. That show received several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, winning several awards, including a Supporting Actor win for Guillaume. He was the first and is still the only actor to win Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
He also appeared in a number of other series and TV movies including a recurring role on "The Love Boat," among others. And he played Frederick Douglass in the mini-series "North and South."
Guillaume left "Soap," to take his character to the new series, "Benson," where he was the lead. The show followed the former butler to a new job as the Governor's Director of Household Affairs. In the series, Benson moved up the ladder to become Lieutenant Governor and eventually a candidate for Governor himself. It was a groundbreaking series in the 1980s and ran for seven seasons. "Benson" was nominated for Golden Globes and Emmy awards, and Guillaume won his second Emmy in 1985, becoming the first African American to win Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
After "Benson" ended, Guillaume continued to appear in television series and movies. But he was introduced to a new generation in 1994 when he voiced the wise oracle Rafiki in "The Lion King." He reprised the role in the sequels and the video game, as well.
In 1999, he suffered a stroke on the set of "Sports Night," an incident which was written into the show.
Guillaume was also a talented singer and stage performer, starring in several shows. His work in "Guys and Dolls" earned him a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. He dealt with controversy in 1990 when he took over the role of the Phantom in the national tour of "The Phantom of the Opera." Despite initial outrage, he ended up being a favorite of many audiences and critics.
Robert Guillaume leaves behind his wife, Donna Brown Guillaume, as well as three children.
What was your favorite performance by Robert Guillaume? Comment below and share your thoughts.
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Clayton Davis
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