Robert Guillaume was an American actor known for his roles as Rafiki in The Lion King, Benson DuBois in Soap and Benson, and Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls. He was celebrated for his gravelly voice and quick-witted characters. Born on November 30, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri, he became a prominent figure in television and film.
Personal and Family Life
Robert Guillaume was married twice. He first wed Marlene Patricia Scott in 1955, and together they had two children before divorcing in 1984. Later, he married Donna Brown Guillaume in 1985, and they remained together until his death in 2017. He had a total of five children from both marriages.
Death and Legacy
Robert Guillaume passed away on October 24, 2017, in Los Angeles due to complications from prostate cancer. His legacy lives on through his memorable characters and the impact he had on the entertainment industry, particularly in the portrayal of African American characters. He is remembered as a talented actor who broke barriers in television and theater.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Big Fish | 2003-12-25 | Dr. Bennett (senior) |
| Spy Hard | 1996-05-24 | Agent Steve Bishop |
| The Meteor Man | 1993-08-06 | Ted Reed |
| The Lion King 1½ | 2004-02-06 | Rafiki (voice) |
| Wanted: Dead or Alive | 1987-01-16 | Philmore Walker |
| The Lion King | 1994-06-24 | Rafiki (voice) |
| The Land Before Time VIII: The Big Freeze | 2001-12-04 | Mr. Thicknose (voice) |
| The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride | 1998-10-24 | Rafiki (voice) |
| Seems Like Old Times | 1980-12-19 | Fred |
| Lean On Me | 1989-03-03 | Dr. Frank Napier |
| Benson | 1979-09-13 | Benson DuBois |
| The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air | 1990-09-10 | Pete Fletcher |
| A Different World | 1987-09-24 | Dean Winston |
| North and South | 1985-11-03 | Frederick Douglass |