Today would have been Robert Goulet's 78th birthday. He was one of the great live entertainers of the 20th century. Thanks to You Tube, it is possible to watch some of his concerts. It is obvious while viewing these treasures that Goulet represents an era that too has passed. His voice was not computer enhanced nor did he do cheesy "dance routines." Robert Goulet simply used the instrument God gave him beautifully. He sang with great skill and soulfulness.
My mother has been a Robert Goulet fan for many years. She was lucky enough to see Goulet as Lancelot in
Camelot on Broadway. To this day, she cannot watch the pathetic film adaption. To Marge Gilbert,
Camelot is not really
Camelot without Robert Goulet, Julie Andrews, and Richard Burton in the lead roles. My mom always described Robert Goulet's stage presence as sexy and magnetic. She also told me that he was a good person. Back in 1996, while my mother worked at Lord & Taylor as an executive secretary, Robert Goulet posed for photos with fans for the American Heart Association. Lord & Taylor organized the event during the week of Valentine's Day and all of the celebrities volunteered their time. Fans paid for an autographed photo with the celebrity and all money went to charity. I believe this reflects what a good person he was not just a wonderful performer.
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| Sketch of Robert Goulet done by my husband David |
I was not fortunate enough to see Robert Goulet in a musical. However, I did see him on Broadway in 1996. Goulet and Lynn Redgrave replaced Carol Burnett and Philip Bosco for several months in the comedy,
Moon Over Buffalo. It was a play about married acting couple who toured the country but hoped to become film stars. The chemistry between Redgrave and Goulet was perfect. Both of them had magnificent stage presence and they elevated the material. I still remember one difficult scene where Goulet had to feign drunkenness. The way he expertly staggered down a stairway without falling was amazing. Truly, Goulet was a versatile talent!
If you want to learn more about Robert Goulet, check out the fabulous website his lovely wife Vera has set up. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.robertgoulet.com/
3 comments:
Great article on a great entertainer honey !
His like will never be seen again .
Happy Birthday to you Mr. Goulet !
I think you already know what a Goulet fan I was as a teenager, and still am. That lovely deep baritone, and he was so handsome in his prime! Lovely tribute, Gilby!
I'm not really a Goulet fan, but.. I really did enjoy reading your tribute and the amazing sketch that your husband David drew.
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