Roger Rees, a renowned British actor, was born on May 5, 1944, in Aberystwyth, Wales, to a family that would later face a significant challenge. Growing up in South London, he developed a passion for the performing arts, participating in church and Boy Scouts stage productions. Initially, Rees pursued a career in visual arts, studying painting and lithography at the prestigious Slade School of Art.
However, his academic pursuits were disrupted when his father passed away, leaving him to support his family. Rees turned to scenic painting, which ultimately led to his acting debut when he was asked to fill in for a part. This marked the beginning of his acting career, as he eventually put away his brushes for good.
In the mid-1960s, Rees transitioned to acting on a full-time basis, appearing on both London and Scottish stages. After four auditions, he was hired by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1968, initially as a walk-on, sword carrier, and bit player. He worked his way up the ranks, achieving stardom in the early 1980s with the 8-1/2 hour stage adaptation of "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby," earning both an Olivier Award and a Tony Award.
Rees's television credits include several TV movies and his breakthrough role as Robin Colcord in the hit TV comedy "Cheers" (1982). He later joined the cast of "The West Wing" (1999) as Lord John Marbury, solidifying his presence in American television. He continued to appear in various British and American television series, as well as independent films.
Throughout his career, Rees remained committed to his theatrical roots, exploring secondary careers as a playwright and stage director. In 2011, he married his long-time collaborator, Rick Elice. Tragically, Rees was diagnosed with cancer and was forced to leave the Broadway production of "The Visit" in May 2015. He passed away on July 10, 2015, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actor.
