Robert Goulet

Robert Goulet (1933-2007) was a singer and actor known for his rich baritone voice who first gained fame in the Broadway musical Camelot (1960), originating the part of Lancelot. He went on the variety show circuit afterwards (with frequent visits to The Ed Sullivan Show) in addition to acting roles.

By 1966, Goulet was an established star and personality when he guest hosted The Hollywood Palace on the March 19 broadcast. He introduced the Muppets (performing the "Music Hath Charms" sketch) and mentioned Jim Henson's Academy Award-nomination (for the short film Time Piece). He also brought out Henson and the Muppet performers for the closing.

In a long career, Goulet won a Grammy as Best New Artist (1962) and a Tony (Best Actor for The Happy Time, 1968). He took a dramatic role starring on the short-lived adventure series Blue Light (1966) as an espionage agent in WWII Germany. He was also a frequent performer in Las Vegas, with many of his later TV appearances referencing the fact.

In addition to many specials and appearances on variety series, talk shows, and game shows, Goulet played guest roles on The Patty Duke Show, Mission: Impossible, Cannon, the 1967 version of The Honeymooners, The Love Boat, and Murder, She Wrote. He played himself on The Jack Benny Program, The Simpsons, the 1990s revival of Get Smart, and King of Queens. Film credits included Underground, Gay Purr-ee (voice only), Scrooged (as himself), The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear, and Toy Story 2 (singing voice of Wheezy the Penguin).