Robert Coote, a renowned English actor, enjoyed a remarkable 50-year career, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. One of his most iconic roles was that of Colonel Pickering in the 1964 Broadway production of My Fair Lady, a musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion. This performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 1957.
Coote's impressive repertoire also included the role of King Pellinore in Lerner & Loewe's 1960 Broadway musical Camelot, which premiered in 1967. His portrayal of Colonel Pickering was not limited to the stage, as he brought the character to life in both the Broadway and London productions.
Despite his extensive experience in film, Coote was not cast in the 1964 movie adaptation of My Fair Lady, which starred Wilfrid Hyde-White. However, Coote had a distinguished career in cinema, often playing aristocrats and military men in numerous films, such as Sergeant Bertie Higginbotham in George Stevens's 1939 classic Gunga Din.
Interestingly, Coote's military background was not limited to his acting career. During World War Two, he served with the Royal Canadian Air Force, rising to the rank of squadron leader.
Coote's remarkable career was not without its challenges, particularly with regards to his relationship with fellow actor Rex Harrison. Harrison, who starred alongside Coote in the original Broadway production of My Fair Lady, reportedly resented Coote after the latter refused to hand over a piece of business created by Coote, Colonel Pickering's telephone call. Coote recreated his iconic role in the 1976 Broadway revival, solidifying his legacy as a talented and versatile actor.
