Robert Guillaume dead: Voice of The Lion King’s Rafiki dies aged 89 after cancer battle
ROBERT GUILLAUME has died at the age of 89 after battling prostate cancer, his wife Donna Brown has confirmed.
Robert Guillaume voices Rafiki in The Lion King
The actor - who was best known for being the voice of Rafiki in The Lion King and for playing the lead character in the TV series Soap, as well as the spin-off show Benson - passed away at his home in Los Angeles.
Robert - who made his Broadway debut back in the 1961 production of Kwamina - had a lengthy TV and film career spanning over 50 years.
His wife announced the sad news earlier today, with her confirming that he had died due to cancer complications.
Robert Guillaume has passed away aged 89
Robert's wife confirmed the sad news
The two-time Emmy-award winning actor - who has two sons from his first marriage to Marlene Williams and a daughter with second wife Donna - also appeared in the likes of Saved by the Bell: The College Years and The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, as well as playing Isaac Jaffe on Sports Night.
Robert’s career almost ended back in January 1999, however, after he suddenly collapsed on the floor at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.
He previously explained: ”I fell on the floor, and I couldn't get up. I kept floundering about on the floor and I didn't know why I couldn't do it. I didn't know it was caused by my left side being weaker than the other."
Tributes immediately started pouring in for the star after the sad news emerged online this evening, with one person posting: “RIP Robert Guillaume. He was the first African American actor to win best actor in a comedy series, for Benson. He was 89.”
Fans have been posting The Lion King tributes on Twitter
Robert had a TV and movie career spanning over 50 years
“‘Look harder. You see, he lives in you.’ Rest in peace, Robert Guillaume. #TheLionKing,” a second added with a tribute to The Lion King.
A third wrote: “Also RIP Robert Guillaume. Here he is on Sports Night (my fav show) talking about sports and the Confederate flag.”
“Awe man......RIP #Benson #Soap #RobertGuillaume,” a further person shared.
Yet another commented: “RIP Robert Guillaume #Soap #Benson #SportsNight #Rafiki.”