He scooped her up and rushed her to the hospital. The reading that seemed to move everyone most was by a woman in Los Angeles who found herself having a heart attack one evening when Rees happened upon her. I don’t think Roger had a bad looking day in his life.” Among those who sent comments were Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Jeremy Irons, Kathleen Turner, Kenneth Branagh, Trevor Nunn, Lynn Ahrens, and Tom Stoppard, who wrote, “Somebody should mention his face. There were several speakers, which included readings of remembrances from friends and colleagues who were unable to attend. Marty Moran led a chorus called Master Voices in a touching rendition of “Love Who You Love” from the show. The afternoon began with a song from the musical, “A Man of No Importance,” in which Rees had played the lead. Bebe Neuwirth, Chita Rivera, Lindsay Mendez, Sherie Rene Scott, Christian Borle, Dana Ivey, Kate Burton, Mark Linn-Baker, and Heidi Blickenstaff either performed or read during the service. Ivey announced the breaking news that Rees will be inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame on Nov. The memorial service, which was open to the public, was primarily attended by Rees’ friends in the theater community, including Brooke Shields, Tyne Daly, Blair Brown, Joel Grey, John Cullum, and Henry Stram, among numerous others. Colin Marlow on “Grey’s Anatomy,” and his hilarious turn as the Sheriff of Rottingham in Mel Brooks’ “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” Rees also served for three years as the artistic director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, where he was famously known for encouraging new artists. He worked his way up the ranks starting in non-speaking roles until he was playing leads.īesides his stage work in London, New York, and elsewhere, most audiences know Rees best for his roles as Robin Colcord on “Cheers,” Lord John Marbury on “The West Wing,” Dr. Born in Wales, Rees auditioned for the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960’s but wasn’t accepted until he tried five times. Rees died on July 10th at age 71 after a bout with cancer. He was “a perfect person” said screenwriter/Broadway musical book writer Marshall Brickman. 21, 2015 at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theater was an opportunity to learn about a man who was not just loved, but adored. Roger Rees Roger Rees on “Cheers” | NBC Photoįor those of us who didn’t know Roger Rees personally, the memorial service held Sept.

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