Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two

By: Jul. 13, 2015
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As we previously reported, Roger Rees, the legendary, Tony Award-winning actor, and Tony Award nominated director, passed away last night at his home in New York City, after a brief journey with cancer. His husband,Rick Elice, and family and friends were at his side.

Click here to take a look back at his career in photos, click here to read touching tributes from his friends and colleagues such as Chita Rivera, Trevor Nunn, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and many more. Click here for a video special, featuring clips from throughout his career.

Roger Rees began his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and attended the Slade School of Fine Arts. He played Malcolm in the acclaimed Trevor Nunn 1976 stage and 1978 television production of Macbeth, to great acclaim. Most famously, Rees created the title role in the original production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, David Edgar's stage adaptation of the Dickens novel, winning both an Olivier Award and a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 1982. He also starred in the original production of The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard in London in 1984.

Rees began to work in television during the 1970s, appearing opposite Laurence Olivier in "The Ebony Tower" (1984). From 1988 to 1991 he starred in the late 80s/early 90s British sitcom "Singles," with co-star Judy Loe. From 1989 to 1991 and in 1993, he also appeared intermittently on the long-running American TV series "Cheers" as the English tycoon Robin Colcord. Later television appearances include "My So-Called Life" as substitute teacher Mr. Racine, British Ambassador Lord John Marbury on "The West Wing" and James MacPherson on "Warehouse 13."

His film career began in 1983 when Bob Fosse cast him to star in Star 80 opposite Mariel Hemingway. Rees played the Sheriff of Rottingham in Mel Brooks' film, Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993). Later film appearances include Frida(2002) and The Prestige (2006).

Continuing his work in the theatre through the 1990s, both as an actor and a director, Rees was awarded an Obie Award for his 1992 performance in the Off-Broadway play The End of the Day. In 1995 he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role in Indiscretions. That same year, he also participated as narrator for the audiobook edition of "Memnoch the Devil" by Anne Rice. As for audiobooks, Rees performed in a wide variety of programs.

In November 2004, Rees was named Artistic Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, only the fourth person to hold the post in its half century history.

He succeeded Nathan Lane in the role of Gomez in the Broadway musical adaptation of The Addams Family, on March 22, 2010 and was in the rest of the run. His last West End appearance was in the acclaimed production of Waiting for Godot opposite Ian McKellen. They also toured the production globally, most memorably, to South Africa.

Rees achieved acclaim as a noted stage director including Peter and the Starcatcher (along with Alex Timbers) which he developed, first at Williamstown Theatre Festival, then La Jolla Playhouse, and in New York at New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Director (the play won five Tony Awards).

Rees' last Broadway appearance was the starring role of Anton Schell in The Visit, opposite Chita Rivera, which opened 23 April 2015. Additional Broadway credits included The Winslow Boys, Uncle Vanya, The Rehearsal and London Assurance.

He is survived by Mr. Elice. A private funeral service will be held next week and details of a memorial will be forthcoming.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees performing in 'Angela Lansbury and Friends Salute Terrence McNally' - A Benefit for The Acting Company in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees performing in 'Angela Lansbury and Friends Salute Terrence McNally' - A Benefit for The Acting Company in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees performing in 'Angela Lansbury and Friends Salute Terrence McNally' - A Benefit for The Acting Company in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attending the Opening Night Broadway Performance of Patrick Stewart in MACBETH at the Lyceum Theatre in New York City.April 8, 2008

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attending the Broadway Opening Night After Party for MACBETH at Sardi's Restaurant in New York City.April 8, 2008

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees & Rick Elice attending the Opening Night Party for THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION at the Mariott Marquis Hotel in New York City.December 3, 2007

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Rick Elice & Roger Rees arriving for the Opening Night Performance of THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION at the Music Box Theatre in New York City.December 3, 2007

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attending the opening Night After Party for 'Peter and the Starcatcher' at Phebe's in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attending the Opening Night of "Oklahoma"Gershwin Theatre, NYC3/21/02

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Gloria Reuben & Roger Rees attending the 22nd Annual Lucille Lortel Awards at the New World Stages in New York City.May 7th, 2007

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees & Rick Elice attending the opening Night After Party for 'Peter and the Starcatcher' at Phebe's in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Alex Timbers and Roger Rees attending the opening Night After Party for 'Peter and the Starcatcher' at Phebe's in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attending the opening Night After Party for 'Peter and the Starcatcher' at Phebe's in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees with Ensemble.at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees .at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees with Ensemble Cast.at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees with Ensemble.at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees .at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees with Ensemble.at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees with Ensemble.at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Brooke Shields as Morticia Addams & Roger Rees (Theatre Marquee ).at the Curtain Call for her debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees & Brooke Shields attending the After Performance Reception for Brooke Shields debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Empire Hotel Roof in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees & Brooke Shields attending the After Performance Reception for Brooke Shields debut in 'The Addams Family' at the Empire Hotel Roof in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Reese .attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 4/15/2012 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
David Garrison, Chita Rivera and Roger Rees during the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'The Visit' at Avatar Recording Studio on April 27, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
David Garrison, John Kander, Chita Rivera, Mary Beth Peil, Roger Rees, George Abud, Jason Danieley and the ensemble cast during the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'The Visit' at Avatar Recording Studio on April 27, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
John Kander, Chita Rivera and Roger Rees during the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'The Visit' at Avatar Recording Studio on April 27, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
John Kander, Chita Rivera and Roger Rees during the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'The Visit' at Avatar Recording Studio on April 27, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees during the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'The Visit' at Avatar Recording Studio on April 27, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
John Kander, Chita Rivera and Roger Rees during the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'The Visit' at Avatar Recording Studio on April 27, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees during the Broadway Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for 'The Visit' at the Lyceum Theatre on April 23, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees during the Broadway Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for 'The Visit' at the Lyceum Theatre on April 23, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees, David Garrison and Chita Rivera during the Broadway Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for 'The Visit' at the Lyceum Theatre on April 23, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees and Chita Rivera during the Broadway Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for 'The Visit' at the Lyceum Theatre on April 23, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees and Chita Rivera attends the Broadway Opening Night Cast Photo Call for 'The Visit' at the Lyceum Theatre on April 23, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees and Chita Rivera attends the Broadway Opening Night Cast Photo Call for 'The Visit' at the Lyceum Theatre on April 23, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attends the Broadway Opening Night Cast Photo Call for 'The Visit' at the Lyceum Theatre on April 23, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees from 'The Visit' attends a photo call at The Lyceum Theater on March 24, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees from 'The Visit' attends a photo call at The Lyceum Theater on March 24, 2015 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees during the Opening Night Curtain Call for 'The Winslow Boy' at the American Airlines Theatre on October 17, 2013 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Spencer Davis Milford, Roger Rees, Alessandro Nivola and Charlotte Parry during the Opening Night Curtain Call for 'The Winslow Boy' at the American Airlines Theatre on October 17, 2013 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Spencer Davis Milford, Roger Rees and Ryan Quigley attend the Opening Night After Party for 'The Winslow Boy' at the American Airlines Theatre on October 17, 2013 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attends the Opening Night After Party for 'The Winslow Boy' at the American Airlines Theatre on October 17, 2013 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Alessandro Nivola, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Directpor Lindsay Posner, Charlotte Parry, Roger Rees and Chandler Williams attend the Opening Night After Party for 'The Winslow Boy' at the American Airlines Theatre on October 17, 2013 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees.during the Broadway Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 4/15/2012 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Arnie Burton, John Sanders, Rick Holmes, Adam Chandler-Berat, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Roger Rees, Christian Borle, Alex Timbers, Rick Elice, Kevin Del Aguila & Carson Elrod with Ebsemble.during the Broadway Opening Night Performance Curtain Call for 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 4/15/2012 in New York City.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees (Director).attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees (Director).attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees (Director).attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees (Director).attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees (Director).attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Alex Timbers (Director), Rick Elice (Playwright) & Roger Rees (Director).attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Alex Timbers (Director), Rick Elice (Playwright), Roger Rees (Director).attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Alex Timbers (Director) & Roger Rees (Director) with Ensemble Cast.attending the Meet & Greet for the Cast & Creative Team of 'Peter And The Starcatcher' at Ballet Hispanico in New York City on 3/9/2012.

Photo Flash: Remembering Roger Rees- Part Two
Roger Rees attends the Opening Night After Party for 'The Winslow Boy' at the American Airlines Theatre on October 17, 2013 in New York City.



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