Robert Guillaume, Groundbreaking Emmy Winner In 'Soap,' 'Benson,' Dies
Guillaume started as a stage actor, but playing refined butler — and later lieutenant governor — Benson DuBois for nine years starting in 1977 made him a TV star and a symbol of hard-won success.
Actor Robert Guillaume, who became the first black actor to win comedy Emmys for playing sharp-tongued butler turned lieutenant governor Benson DuBois on Soap and its spinoff, Benson, died Tuesday at age 89.
Guillaume was born Robert Peter Williams and was
