Robert R. Oliver of 'The Fantasticks' Dies Suddenly of Heart-Attack

Robert R. Oliver, who starred as Mortimer in the off-Broadway revival of The Fantasticks, died suddenly Monday, February 4 of a heart-attack, report press sources. He was 68 years old.

Sources report Oliver was taken to a hospital on Sunday, February 2 before the evening performance, but was later released. His death comes just weeks before the recently announced closure of The Fantasticks on Sunday, February 24 at the Snapple Theatre Center. As Mortimer, the comically soft-spoken traveling actor, Oliver also portrayed the facially-contorted Indian and Pirate opposite actor and composer Tom Jones.

Oliver performed as Mortimer in the original long-running production of The Fantasticks at the Sullivan Street Playhouse (which he also taped for Lincoln Center Archives).  With more than 70 productions to his credit, Robert has performed on radio, television, film, cruise ships, dinner theaters, tours, etc.   Favorite roles: Pete in Girl Crazy, Hysterium in ... Forum (Carbonell Award honorable Mention), and Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Oliver's also appeared off-Broadway in Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding.

Robert R. Oliver (left) with Tom Jones (photo by Mark Rupp)