Tony Winner, Voice of Disney's ROBIN HOOD Brian Bedford Passes Away at 80

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that seven-time Tony Award nominee and winner for Broadway's THE SCHOOL FOR WIVES Brian Bedford passed away today, January 13, 2016. He was 80.

Bedford last starred on Broadway as 'Lady Bracknell' in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (pictured, left); the role earned him his seventh Tony nomination and sixth Drama Desk Award in 2011.

The classic stage actor made his Broadway debut in 1960's FIVE FINGER EXERCISE. He went on to appear on the Great White Way in THE COCKTAIL PARTY, THE MISANTHROPE, PRIVATE LIVES, THE SCHOOL FOR WIVES (which won him a Tony in 1971), JUMPERS, TWO SHAKESPEAREAN ACTORS, TIMON OF ATHENS, THE MOLIERE COMEDIES, LONDON ASSURANCE, TARTUFFE and more.

Bedford is survived by his partner of 30 years actor Tim MacDonald, who appeared onstage with Bedford in TWO SHAKESPEAREAN ACTORS, TIMON OF ATHENS and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST on Broadway.

The actor spent much of his career onstage and directing for the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, having starred in productions of the Bard's RICHARD III, AS YOU LIKE IT, THE WINTER'S TALE, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, TWELFTH NIGHT, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and KING LEAR. He also helmed Stratford productions of THE LUNATIC, THE LOVER & THE POET, WAITING FOR GODOT, FALLEN ANGELS and more.

Bedford, who appeared in several films and many television series, also voiced the role of 'Robin Hood' in Disney's 1973 animated film. He was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in 1997.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus