Tony Award-winning actor Brian Bedford died on Wednesday in Santa Barbara, Calif. after losing a two-year battle with cancer, according to his agent Richard Schmenner, Telegraph reported.
Bedford, 80, best known for voicing the titular character of Robin Hood in Disney's 1973 animated film based on the heroic outlaw, was also known for his Broadway roles in works by Shakespeare and Chekhov.
Born in England in 1935, the veteran actor attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts with the likes of Peter O'Toole, Albert Finney and Alan Bates. Bedford then moved to Canada in 1959 where he had a successful career in theater, making appearances in 17 Broadway productions, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Receiving a total of seven Tony Award nominations for his work in Broadway, the British actor was honored with the award for his performance in Moliere's "The School for Wives." Bedford's most recent Broadway appearance was as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest."
Bedford, a veteran of Ontario's Stratford Festival, was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 1997 and made a number of silver screen appearances in films like "Grand Prix," "Nixon" and "A Christmas Carol." Bedford's TV credits include shows like "Frasier" and "Cheers" and his last appearance was in the comedy series, "Black Jesus."
"He was the reason so many actors became actors," said Antoni Cimolino, Stratford Festival's artistic director, according to CBC News. "He was the reason our audiences came year after year. He was not only an icon, he was a delight, and we will miss him so much."
Bedford is survived by his husband, actor Tim MacDonald.
With heavy hearts we bid farewell to Brian Bedford, veteran of 29 seasons, who died today at the age of 80. pic.twitter.com/x3fhihPYnq
— Stratford Festival (@stratfest) January 13, 2016
