Rob Guest, current star of Melbourne's "WICKED" passes away...

[Khashoggi]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 11:54am

Rob Guest who plays the Wizard in the Melbourne production of WICKED passed away this evening from a massive stroke, which he suffered last night on the show's night off. He was 57.

Anyone who works in theatre in this country knows of the enormous contribution Rob made to Australian theatre as star of Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera (for eight years), The Sound of Music, Jolson and many others.
Everyone who works on Wicked in anyway, including myself, are in a state of shock. I'm sure the official news will be announced in a matter of hours, but I just need to express my sorrow and shock at the loss of this incredible, gifted, committed and wonderful performer. A great soul, and a legend of the Australian stage.
Rest in Peace, Rob.

Updated On: 10/1/08 at 11:54 AM

[circusfreak]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 12:00pm

A sudden and horrible tragedy. For those who don't know his work, Rob was one of Australia's most respected musical theatre veterans, having performed the role of The Phantom over 2000 times. Everyone in Australian Theatre will feel the blow, not just the cast of Wicked but the cast of every current, and past, production running who all have at some stage shared the stage with this talented individual.

Updated On: 10/1/08 at 12:00 PM

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 12:09pm

this is such a shame, may he rest in peace XXXX

[EVIE]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 1:56pm

Wow. My warmest thoughts and deepest sympathy to all his loved ones.

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 1:58pm

Sending my thoughts and sympathy from Colorado.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 2:00pm

Wait a sec! Was this the guy who was on the 10th Anniversary Concert video of Les Mis?

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 2:00pm

This is horrible. My prayers go out to his family. May he Rest in Peace.

[clever name]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 2:23pm

He was so young. So sad.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 2:50pm

That is awful! So sad.

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 2:58pm

Yes, he was the Australian Valjean at the TAC. Very sad news; I'm sending my best thoughts to his friends, family, and fans back in Australia.

[PSLove302]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 3:11pm

Wow.

Didn't see this one coming...

Loves me some Rob Guest portrayal of Valjean.

RIP

[DefyGravity777]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 3:37pm

Rest in Peace Rob.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 4:59pm

Oh my God! This is terrible! Rest in peace, Rob Guest.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 9:33pm

With Marina Prior in The Original Australian Production Of Phantom

[GroovyTapper]

Posted: 10/1/08 at 10:13pm

RIP Rob Guest, saw him in the Sound of Music and Wicked and he was amazing Australian Theatre will miss him greatly

[sydneyboi]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 2:53am

This is so sad,

I actually only meet Rob 2 weeks ago when I saw Wicked in Melbourne. He was so kind and giving to his fans and people that were waiting at the stage door. A true gentlemen who appriciated his friends and fans.

[lfae]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 3:28am

I'm shattered. I've seen Wicked 17 times here and he's the only main cast member I've seen all 17 times. He never missed a show. What a guy. He will indeed be sorely missed.

[brettystar]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 4:00am

I totally agree with the above.

Rob Guest was so generous of his time when I met him at stage door. He genuinely seemed to be interested in what I had to say about the show.

I rememember also loving him as Jean Valjean.

My thoughts are with his partner Kellie (MD of Wicked Australia) and his family and friends.

[sanda]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 2:00pm

Rest in peace.

[Colle]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 2:04pm

My thoughts, prayers and sympathy to his family. When I heard the name, I remembered that he represented Australia in the encore of the TAC of Les Miserables.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 10/2/08 at 2:29pm

This is soooo sad Rest in Peace, Mt Guest.