tracking pixel
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Roger Rees Headshot

Roger Rees

Date of Death: July 10, 2015 (71)

Birth Place: WALES

read more news

Get Roger Rees Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Roger Rees (5 May 1944 – 10 July 2015) was a Welsh actor and director, widely known for his stage work. He won an Olivier Award and a Tony Award for his performance as the lead in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. He also received Obie Awards for his role in The End of the Day and as co-director of Peter and the Starcatcher. Rees was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in November 2015.



He was widely known to American television audiences for playing the characters Robin Colcord in Cheers and Lord John Marbury in The West Wing. Americans also know him as the Sheriff of Rottingham in Mel Brooks' Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Visit The Visit
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Anton Schell
The Visit The Visit
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2014
The Winslow Boy The Winslow Boy
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2013
Arthur Winslow
What You Will What You Will
[West End]
2012
Performer
The Addams Family The Addams Family
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Gomez Addams [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Trumbo: Red White and Blacklisted
[Off-Broadway]
2003
Dalton Trumbo [Replacement]
[Replacement]
A Man of No Importance
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2002
Alfie Byrne
Uncle Vanya
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2000
Mikhail lvovich Astrov
The Uneasy Chair
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Capt. Josiah Wickett
The Rehearsal
[Broadway]
1996
Hero
Indiscretions
[Broadway]
1995
George
The Red Shoes
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Boris Lermontov [Replacement]
[Replacement]
The End of the Day
[Off-Broadway]
1992
Graydon Massey
The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
[Broadway]
1981
Nicholas Nickleby
London Assurance
[Broadway]
1974
Charles Courtly

Productions

Peter and the StarcatcherPeter and the Starcatcher
 
[US Tour, 2013]
Director
Peter and the StarcatcherPeter and the Starcatcher
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Director
Peter and the StarcatcherPeter and the Starcatcher
 
[Broadway, 2012]
Director
Peter and the StarcatcherPeter and the Starcatcher
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Director
Anything Goes
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2006]
Director
Treemonisha
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director
Here Lies Jenny
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Director
Director
Arms and the Man
 
[Off-Broadway, 2000]
Director
Mud, River, Stone
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director

Writing

Bookwriter
Conceiver

Movies

Star 80
[ 1983 ] Aram Nichol
God's Outlaw
[ 1986 ] William Tyndale
Mountains of the Moon
[ 1990 ] Papworth
If Looks Could Kill
[ 1991 ] Augustus Steranko
Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot
[ 1992 ] Parnell
Robin Hood: Men in Tights
[ 1993 ] Sheriff of Rottingham
The Substance of Fire
[ 1996 ] Max
Sudden Manhattan
[ 1996 ] Murphy
Trouble on the Corner
[ 1997 ] Mr. McMurtry
Next Stop Wonderland
[ 1998 ] Ray Thornback
The Bumblebee Flies Anyway
[ 1999 ] Dr. Croft
A Midsummer Night's Dream
[ 1999 ] Peter Quince
BlackMale
[ 2000 ] Bill Fontaine
3 A.M.
[ 2001 ] Priest
Peter Pan 2: Return to Never Land
[ 2002 ] Edward
Frida
[ 2002 ] Guillermo Kahlo
The Scorpion King
[ 2002 ] King Pheron
The Emperor's Club
[ 2002 ] Mr. Ctle
Crazy Like a Fox
[ 2004 ] Nat Banks
Going Under
[ 2004 ] Peter
The Tulse Luper Suitcases, Part 3: From Sark to the Finish
[ 2004 ] Tulse Luper
The Tulse Luper Suitcases, Part 2: Vaux to the Sea
[ 2004 ] Tulse Luper
Game 6
[ 2005 ] Jack Hkins
A Life in Suitcases
[ 2005 ] Tulse Luper
Falling for Grace
[ 2006 ] Andrew Barrington Sr.
The Treatment
[ 2006 ] Leighton Proctor
Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties
[ 2006 ] Mr. Hobbs
The Prestige
[ 2006 ] Owens
The Pink Panther
[ 2006 ] Raymond Larocque
The Invasion
[ 2007 ] Yorish
The Narrows
[ 2008 ] Professor Reyerson
Happy Tears
[ 2009 ] Antiques Dealer
Almost Perfect
[ 2011 ] Kai Lee
Affluenza
[ 2014 ] Mr. Carson
Survivor
[ 2015 ] Emil Balan

TV Shows

Cheers
Robin Colcord
Elementary
Alistair Moore
It Could Be Worse
Roger Goldstein
M.A.N.T.I.S.
John Stonebrake
Related
Bob's Dad
Singles
Malcolm
The Legend of Prince Valiant
Rathburn, Lord Theodine
The West Wing
Lord John Marbury
Warehouse 13
James MacPherson

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2015 - Distinguished Performance Award

Roger Rees, The Visit


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2012 - Best Direction of a Play

Roger Rees, Peter and the Starcatcher

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Direction of a Play

Roger Rees, Peter and the Starcatcher

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Roger Rees, A Man of No Importance

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Roger Rees, Indiscretions

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Roger Rees, Indiscretions

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Roger Rees, Indiscretions

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Roger Rees , Indiscretions

Olivier Awards - 1985 - Comedy Performance of the Year

Roger ReesLove's Labours Lost


winner
Tony Awards - 1982 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Roger Rees, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby


winner
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Actor of the Year in a New Play

Roger ReesNicholas Nickleby

Videos

More Videos

News


Video: Meet the Jimmys-Bound Winners of the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Photo
Video: Meet the Jimmys-Bound Winners of the 2025 Roger Rees Awards
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 10, 2025

Jack Ceglie and Gloria Manning  were named the winners of Outstanding Performance in a Musical at the Roger Rees Awards, both moving forward to represent the Greater New York region at the 15th Annual Jimmy Awards. Watch in this video as we meet the winners!
Videos You Missed This Week: Prep for Tonys Weekend Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: Prep for Tonys Weekend
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 6, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! It's Tony Awards weekend! Catch up on all the latest from the week ending June 6, 2025 with videos from Heathers, Hadestown, and more!
Exclusive: Watch Highlights from the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Photo
Exclusive: Watch Highlights from the 2025 Roger Rees Awards
by Joey Mervis - Jun 5, 2025

Talented students from across New York City gathered at Symphony Space for the Roger Rees Awards, hosted by Kevin Del Aguila. Watch highlights from inside the big night in this video!
Matthew Silver, Production Stage Manager and Atlantic Theater Company Ensemble Member Photo
Matthew Silver, Production Stage Manager and Atlantic Theater Company Ensemble Member, Dies at 60
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 28, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to learn of the passing of Matthew Silver. Learn more about Matthew Silver, Production Stage Manager and Atlantic Theater Company Ensemble Member.
Photos: Inside the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Ceremony Photo
Photos: Inside the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Ceremony
by Nicole Rosky - May 21, 2025

As BroadwayWorld reported earlier this week, talented students from across New York City gathered at Symphony Space for the Roger Rees Awards, hosted by Kevin Del Aguila. Check out photos from inside the big day below!
Video: Watch the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Pre-Show Arrivals Photo
Video: Watch the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Pre-Show Arrivals
by Nicole Rosky - May 20, 2025

Check out a list of this year's winners and watch the pre-show guest arrivals featuring BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge and Student Reporter winner Chloe Pussey here.
Winners Announced for the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Photo
Winners Announced for the 2025 Roger Rees Awards
by Nicole Rosky - May 20, 2025

Talented students from across New York City gathered at Symphony Space for the Roger Rees Awards, hosted by Kevin Del Aguila. The winners of Outstanding Performance in a Musical were Jack Ceglie and Gloria Manning.
Video: Watch the Pre-Show Red Carpet for the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Photo
Video: Watch the Pre-Show Red Carpet for the 2025 Roger Rees Awards
by Nicole Rosky - May 19, 2025

Tune in today, May 19, at 5:30pm ET to watch the live pre-show featuring BroadwayWorld's own Richard Ridge and Student Reporter winner Chloe Pussey!
The Broadway Education Alliance Reveals ROGER REES AWARDS Student Nominees Photo
The Broadway Education Alliance Reveals ROGER REES AWARDS Student Nominees
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2025

The Broadway Education Alliance has announced the 50 Roger Rees Awards nominees for Outstanding Performer in a qualifying role in an officially licensed high school production presented during the 2024-2025 academic year.
50 Student Nominees Announced for the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Photo
50 Student Nominees Announced for the 2025 Roger Rees Awards
by Nicole Rosky - May 12, 2025

The Broadway Education Alliance has just announced the 50 nominees for Outstanding Performer in a qualifying role in an officially licensed high school production presented during the 2024-2025 academic year. We have the full list of nominees here!
New York City Center to Present Second Annual YOUR COMMUNITY DAY Photo
New York City Center to Present Second Annual YOUR COMMUNITY DAY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2025

NEW YORK CITY CENTER will present the return of Your Community Day, a free annual event for all ages, as part of the 2024 – 2025 Season. Learn how to attend!
Kevin Del Aguila Will Host the 2025 Roger Rees Awards Photo
Kevin Del Aguila Will Host the 2025 Roger Rees Awards
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025

The Broadway Education Alliance has just announced that multi-award-winning Broadway performer Kevin Del Aguila will host the 2024-25 Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance. We have all of the details on the big event here!
Video: BOOP! THE MUSICAL Celebrates Opening Night Photo
Video: BOOP! THE MUSICAL Celebrates Opening Night
by Joey Mervis - Apr 8, 2025

Betty Boop has arrived on Broadway at last! The best of Broadway came out to celebrate opening night of Boop! The Musical across the street from its Broadhurst Theatre home, at Sardi's.  Watch as we take you inside the big night in this video.
The Roger Rees Awards Will Celebrate 15th Anniversary with BEFORE BROADWAY & BEYOND C Photo
The Roger Rees Awards Will Celebrate 15th Anniversary with BEFORE BROADWAY & BEYOND Concert
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 13, 2025

The Broadway Education Alliance just announced that Steven Telsey (Harmony, Broadway) will host Before Broadway & Beyond to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance.
BEFORE BROADWAY AND BEYOND, A Roger Rees Benefit Concert Set For This Month Photo
BEFORE BROADWAY AND BEYOND, A Roger Rees Benefit Concert Set For This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 5, 2025

Steven Telsey (Harmony, Broadway) will host Before Broadway & Beyond to celebrate the 15th anniversary of The Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance.
55 Participating Regional Awards Programs Announced For The 16th Annual Jimmy Awards Photo
55 Participating Regional Awards Programs Announced For The 16th Annual Jimmy Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 19, 2025

The Broadway League Foundation has announced 55 participating Regional Awards Programs for the 16th annual Jimmy Awards which will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:30pm at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre.
15th Annual Roger Rees Awards Find a New Home at Symphony Space Photo
15th Annual Roger Rees Awards Find a New Home at Symphony Space
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 30, 2025

The Broadway Education Alliance will present the 15th annual Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance on Monday, May 19th. We have all of the details on the 2025 ceremony!
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater Photo
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2024

The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
Theater Resources Unlimited To 2024 TRU Love Benefit Auction Open Through November 24 Photo
Theater Resources Unlimited To 2024 TRU Love Benefit Auction Open Through November 24
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2024

Theater Resources Unlimited held their first live gala since 2019, honoring Irene Grandy and Susan E. Lee for their contributions to theater, and remembering producer Ron Simons.
Gabrielle Stravelli, Klea Blackhurst, and Graham Rowat Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF Photo
Gabrielle Stravelli, Klea Blackhurst, and Graham Rowat Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2024

The Fred Ebb Foundation and Birdland Jazz Club announced additional performers for Sing Happy: The Lyrics of Fred Ebb, which will take place next week at Birdland Jazz Club.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Roger Rees been in?

Roger Rees has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

How many West End shows has Roger Rees been in?

Roger Rees has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Roger Rees's first West End show?

Roger Rees's first West End show was What You Will which opened in 2012

What awards has Roger Rees been nominated for?

Roger Rees has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for his role in "The Visit." He was also nominated for Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards and the Tony Awards for his work on "Peter and the Starcatcher." Rees received an Outstanding Actor in a Musical nomination at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "A Man of No Importance." Additionally, he was nominated for Outstanding Actor - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in "Indiscretions" and received a Comedy Performance of the Year nomination at the Olivier Awards for "Love's Labours Lost." Rees was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for both "Indiscretions" and "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby." Finally, he received the Actor of the Year in a New Play award at the Olivier Awards for "Nicholas Nickleby."

What awards has Roger Rees won?

Roger Rees has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "Peter and the Starcatcher," the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby," and the Actor of the Year in a New Play at the Olivier Awards for "Nicholas Nickleby." These accolades highlight his talent and contributions to the theater industry.

How many shows has Roger Rees written?

Roger Rees has written 3 shows including Here Lies Jenny (Conceiver), Here Lies Jenny (Bookwriter), What You Will (Creator).

Get Roger Rees Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos