Robert Guillaume, the voice of Rafiki in “The Lion King,” has passed away
We’re sad to report that Robert Guillaume, who won two Emmys for his role as Benson in the TV series Soap and its spinoff Benson, has died after a battle with prostate cancer. The actor’s wife confirmed the news in a statement to the Associated Press.
The 89-year-old actor was also known for playing managing editor and chief mentor Isaac Jaffe on Aaron Sorkin’s beloved series Sports Night.
And, of course, for voicing the role of Rafiki in the 1994 animated classic, The Lion King.
During his career in theater, Guillaume was nominated for a Tony for the 1976 revival of Guys and Dolls on Broadway, and he was the first black actor to play the title role in Phantom of the Opera during a Los Angeles production.
After a series of guest spots on ’70s sitcoms like Good Times, Sanford and Sons, and The Jeffersons, Guillaume landed the role as butler Benson DuBois on Soap (1977-1979), and quickly became the breakout star before headlining the spinoff series Benson (1979-1986).
Years later, following the cancelation of Sports Night, the actor continued to make television appearances on shows like CSI and 8 Simple Rules, but focused more heavily on voiceover work. He also made appearances in films like Big Fish and Columbus Circle.
As news of his death spread, former costars and celebrity fans took to Twitter to honor the late actor:
R.I.P. Robert Guillaume. Saw him play Nathan Detroit on Broadway in 1976. Made me want to be an actor. It was a thrill to work w him on SN.
— (((Joshua Malina))) (@JoshMalina) October 24, 2017
Robert Guillaume radiated such warmth, light, dignity, and above all, class. That smile and laugh touched us all. RIP to the best boss ever.
— Josh Charles (@MrJoshCharles) October 24, 2017
Giant of stage + screen. Also let's remember that Robert Guillaume was among the first celebs to appear at AIDS fundraisers. Thank you, sir. pic.twitter.com/Zu1klgGAV3
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 24, 2017
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RIP Robert Guillaume….he was the first Phantom of the Opera I ever saw when it came to Los Angeles. Great actor.
— josh groban (@joshgroban) October 24, 2017
Sad to hear of the passing of Robert Guillaume. He was a great support to me on "Soap".
Great timing, charisma and class. Rest in Peace.— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) October 24, 2017
ISAAC: Danny, I need to talk to you.
DAN: Good, cause I need to talk to you too. Who should go first?
ISAAC: Since I don't really care what you have to say, I think it should be me.RIP Robert Guillaume
I'll be watching SPORTS NIGHT tonight. pic.twitter.com/EKpw0RDzhk
— Dan Saffer (@odannyboy) October 24, 2017
RIP to EmmyAward winning Army vet, star of stage & screen, Robert Guillaume. 1st black actor to play the title role in Phantom of the Opera pic.twitter.com/WA2aezsfQz
— jesse Williams. (@iJesseWilliams) October 24, 2017
Benson showed me that anything is possible. He went from butler to Lt. Governor IN JUST 5 YEARS! RIP Robert Guillaume! #underrated pic.twitter.com/jTpqhoPl1L
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) October 24, 2017
Guillaume is predeceased by a son and is survived by his wife, producer Donna Guillaume, three daughters, and one son. Our thoughts go out to them during this difficult time.