In Memoriam: Robert Gerard Goulet, 1933-2007

[thatcrazycajun]

It is with a heavy heart that I must report that legendary Broadway/Vegas singer Robert Goulet has died of surgical complications at 73, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA while awaiting a lung transplant. The Associated Press has the story here.

Aside from the man's sheer talent, stage presence and charisma—he was the one who made it possible for musicals such as Camelot† and The Fantasticks to enjoy such long runs on the Great White Way—he was also a tireless and reliable staple of the annual Labor Day fundraising effort for my favorite charity, the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For these things, he has long held a special place in my heart; we even shared a middle name, as you may note above.

Deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his two wives, Vera (current) and Nicolette, his two sons and daughter and all his friends, fans and the many people he worked with in this difficult hour.

Have a favorite memory of Bob you'd like to share, either performing or not? Post it here. Camelot is still my favorite musical not named Les Misérables or Evita, so I'd have to go with Bob as Lancelot singing either "If Ever I Would Leave You" or "C'est Moi" (on the latter of which I based this parody, back in my early filking days, for the obvious character from classic Battlestar: Galactica). Only Bob could have pulled off such seeming arrogance as Lance's...and still make it likable.

———

†Okay, he did have some help on that one, from a couple of Brits named Dick and Julie... :-)

Comments

[wouldyoueva.livejournal.com]

I am reminded of the elaborate chart SPY magazine had 15-20 years ago, proving Robert Goulet was the coolest person in the universe.

*Raises a glass and sings YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME*

[ladymondegreen.livejournal.com]

As akawil pointed out, he lived a very full life. He got to be the king (in Camelot) and he was shot by the king (Elvis shot his TV while Robert Goulet was performing.

I love Camelot, I have it on my iTunes at work.

[thatcrazycajun.livejournal.com]

Actually, he played both King Arthur (more recently, in the revival) and Lancelot (in the original show, during his younger days). I do believe he even did a guest shot on The Muppet Show in its heyday.

[starmalachite.livejournal.com]

As a small child, an ex-roomie of mine saw him in the original run of Camelot. Got to do that myself if I ever get to drive the Tardis -- I had such a crush on the man once upon a time. I finally saw him as Emil in South Pacific about 23 years ago.

[ladyqkat.livejournal.com]

It took me all day to realize what I found odd about this tribute - no mention of the mother of two of his children, Carol Lawrence. I was fortunate enough to see them in a live stage performance while they were still married and the stage chemistry between them was entrancing.

But, yes, another amazing talent has left us.