Robert Franklin Bingham, 78, of Brewster, died Feb. 8 at Putnam County Hospital in Carmel. He was best known for playing the role of Caiaphas in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, in the first U.S. concert tour, the original Broadway cast, the original French cast, and the 1973 film.
He was born Oct. 29, 1946, in Seattle, the son of William and Grayce (Ryburn) Bingham, and raised in Edmonds, Washington. He attended the University of Washington and studied singing with Ernest J. Anderson and acting with Larry and Pamela Liester’s Home Adjunct, Inc. His first professional appearance was in a touring production of the musical Hair in 1970, first at the Moore Theatre in Seattle and then in Miami.
During the 1970s, Robert led a Buddhist group dedicated to world peace. After retiring from acting in the late 1970s, he was a manager at the Talon zipper factory.
In 1995 Robert married Idilcia Aracena in Lake George. They moved to Brewster 25 years ago. Along with his wife, Robert is survived by his children, Franklin and Yasmin, and two siblings.
My condolences to Idilcia, Franklin and Yasmin on the loss of Bob. I had the pleasure of meeting him twice, he was a very humble and gracious man and I will treasure my memories of interacting with him at Jesus Christ Superstar showings. May be rest in peace.
Rest in peace, beautiful soul.