Robert Guillaume
Actor
About This Interview
Robert Guillaume was interviewed for three hours in Encino, CA. Guillaume discusses his lengthy career in television, which began with guest appearances on the series Julia, All in the Family, and The Jeffersons. He describes originating the character of "Benson DuBois" in the series Soap and continuing to play the role in the spin-off, Benson (1979-86). He speaks eloquently and openly about avoiding stereotypes in his portrayal of "Benson" and the evolution of the character from Soap to Benson. He details several other television performances, including his work in The Robert Guillaume Show (1989), and discusses his lengthy stage career, which included replacing Michael Crawford in Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera. Guillaume also speaks of his then-current role in the ABC sitcom Sports Night which premiered in 1998, and the stroke that sidelined him during the series. Meryl Marshall conducted the interview on March 24, 1999.
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Highlights
Robert Guillaume on his pursuit to be funny without being a buffoon or playing a part with “dignity” on Soap (03m 15s)
Robert Guillaume on the end of
Benson (02m 07s)- Robert Guillaume on not emphasizing racial issues directly with his character "Benson" on Soap ; but finding ways to make a statement (03m 53s)
Robert Guillaume on forming a publishing company, The Confetti Company, to publish children's books with African-American characters (01m 29s)
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- On his childhood and early influences; on going to Catholic School; on joining the Army in 1945; on his college years and transitioning from a business to music major; on the Aspen Music Festival; on theater work in Colorado
- On moving to New York to do theater; on his first television appearance, on Julia; on the difficulty of black actors getting on television
- Chapter 2
- On his first television role on Julia; on appearing on Marcus Welby, M.D., All in the Family, and on The Jeffersons
- On getting the role of "Benson" on Soap and how he played his character; on audience response to "Benson"
- Chapter 3
- On fellow cast members on Soap; on the controversy the series caused; on working with creator Susan Harris; on his favorite storyline
- On starring in Benson, the spin-off of Soap; on the cast and chemistry on Soap; on his favorite episodes and directors
- Chapter 4
- On the concept of Benson; on his contract dispute; on his approach to playing the character; on the end of the series
- On producing a television movie; on producing and making guest appearances; on producing and starring in The Robert Guillaume Show; on episodes airing out of order
- Chapter 5
- On working with network executives; on "Phantom of the Opera"; on short-lived series
- On his personal life; on forming a publishing company with his second wife
- Robert Guillaume on co-starring in Sports Night; on situation comedies; on the importance of a good script; on the work of which he's proudest; on influential people in his career and the aftermath of his stroke
- Chapter 6
- On African-Americans behind and in front of the camera; on how he would like to be remembered; on colleagues
- On playing "Sportin' Life" on Porgy and Bess
Shows
People
Topics
Genres
He is such a gifted actor. Thank you for making this great interview.
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PR 5 Web Directory
Eli !! :'(
ELI!!!
@joecrow24 You and me both, I've wasted my time watching these. Although its nice to hear the insight. Although I would of loved to hear him comment on working on Spy Hard with Andy Griffith. But hey we can't always get what we want.
@kellypeterson55555 It's right here on the 'Tube. Search for: Benson Christmas Episode Title Mary and Her Little Lambs 1982 Part 3 Of 3
Im surprised there was no discussion on his role in the Half-life series.
Doctor Eli Vance, nice to see you again.
Wow what a voice
Rafiki?
Force, indeed.
Vice versa
So old with such nice teeth??!+!
Killer smile that only Joe Biden can beat
@imtheviewer hl2 is my fav game of all time but LK is my fav thing ever!!!!!!!!!! so you win
goddam....unless there are video recordings or flashbacks. This awesome voice will not be heard in HL2:3 =(
Love how when he's asked if there were any memorable moments with the cast of Soap he says "no!"
He just never seems to age! He reminds me of Paul Newman in his laid back and charming expression.
Who cares about Eli. lol. It's freaking Rafiki!
awsome voice
fitted eli vance pretty much :D
@MeAndMyRC Okay I know your comment is way old, but I had to say: YOU'RE SO RIGHT! I'm recently watching it on Netflix...can't believe how many big names were in that lilttle 1/2 hr show.
Eli vance Hl2 :D
Thankyou! so inspired.
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