Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume (1927–2017) was an American actor and singer best known for playing Benson DuBois in the television series Soap and Benson.

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Benson DuBois: A quick-witted butler and later political aide played by Robert Guillaume in Soap and Benson. The character made Guillaume a television star and became the center of his defining roles.
Norman Lear: An American television producer and writer whose sitcoms often addressed social and political issues. Lear created Soap, the series that introduced Guillaume's best-known character.
Opera: A form of theatrical performance combining singing, instrumental music, acting, and staging. Guillaume trained as a singer and performed operatic roles before becoming widely known as an actor.
Black representation in American television: The changing presence, visibility, and portrayal of Black people in American television. Guillaume's sustained leading role offered a rare portrayal of a Black character whose authority and wit drove a sitcom.
Soap (TV series): An American sitcom that parodied daytime soap operas and featured Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois. Guillaume first played Benson in this ensemble comedy.
David Harris (actor): An American actor who played Governor Eugene X. Gatling on the sitcom Benson. Harris portrayed the governor whose household and administration Benson served.
The American Conservatory Theater: A San Francisco theater company and drama school founded in 1965. Guillaume developed as a stage actor in the company's productions.
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: An annual television award recognizing a lead actor's performance in a comedy series. Guillaume won the award in 1985 for Benson, a milestone in his television career.
Benson (TV series): An American sitcom following Benson DuBois as he works in the governor's household and political orbit. The spin-off gave Guillaume's character a leading role and ran for seven seasons.
James Earl Jones: An American actor known for his commanding voice and extensive stage, film, and television work. Jones and Guillaume were among the first Black actors to receive leading roles in major television series.