Robert Guillaume passed away today at the age of 89 due to complications from prostate cancer according to The NY Times.
The actor was best known for playing the lovable, wise talking, witty Benson who went from being a Butler on Soap to working in the Governor’s office on its spinoff named after his character. While that was the ’70s and the ’80s, in the late ’90s he was the wise, caring boss of Sports Night. Midway through production of that show, he suffered a mild stroke. He did not let that stop him, after a few weeks of rehab he returned and they wrote it into the comedy. For kids, he will always be known as the voice of Rafiki in The Lion King.
Whether he was doing comedy, drama or singing, he was always as big as his boisterous, beautiful voice.
As a kid, I grew up with him as Benson on both shows. Throughout the decades, I have fallen in love with that character time and time again when I find both shows on television in syndication. Even though those shows are over 30 years old, they still feel new. He gave us a timeless character that people can adore for generations to come.
Today, let’s honor him by watching one of his many iconic roles. As I still ponder if he became Governor on Benson, something that was never resolved because the show was cancelled before we found out. Something I am sure James Noble, who passed away, are discussing up in heaven right now.
