Actor Gary Beach, who originated the role of Lumière in Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast, passed away yesterday in Palm Springs, California. He was 70 years old. As Playbill notes, Beach was also known for his role as Roger De Bris in The Producers, which was adapted from the Mel Brooks comedy. While he was nominated for his work in Beauty and the Beast, it was his role in The Producers that earned him a Tony for Featured Actor in a Musical. Beach went on to reprise his De Bris in the 2005 film version of the show. He is survived by his husband, Jeff Barnett.
