Guillaume is best known for playing the butler Benson first on the ABC TV series Soap before being given his own series Benson which aired on ABC from 1979 to 1986. He won Emmy Awards for his performance as Benson on both shows.
In the 1990's, Guillaume would take the in the L.A. stage production of The Phantom of the Opera, voice Rafiki in The Lion King and star in the short-lived ABC TV series Sports Night. While involved with that show, Guillaume suffered a stroke which slowed his career down considerably though he would continue in show business mainly as a voice actor.
But it is his role as Benson DuBois for which I shall always remember Guillaume. I remember his sharp tongue and quick wit. He was one of the first African-American actors to have the lead in a TV show and was the first to win an Emmy in a comedic role. In many ways Benson was ahead of the curve, but for some reason is seldom seen in syndication. In light of Guillaume's passing, I hope this is remedied even if it is posthumously.
In the video clip above, Guillaume describes the evolution of the Benson character. R.I.P.
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