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January 28, 2017: Superman Musical Star Bob Holiday Passes Away
Posted by Neil Cole
Former actor Bob Holiday who starred in the title role of the 1966 Broadway production "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman!" has passed away at the age of 84.
Born November 12, 1932, Holiday was the first and only actor ever to portray the Man of Steel on the Broadway stage. Featuring music by Charles Strouse (composer of "Annie") and written by David Newman and Robert Benton ("Superman: The Movie" and "Superman II"), "It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman" was hailed by The New York Times' critic as "easily the best musical this season."
"Having played Superman was a special and lasting honor for me," recalls Holiday, today a leading home builder in the Poconos Lake Wallenpaupack Resort Area of Pennsylvania. "People still remember this show and tell me how much they enjoyed it. It's deeply rewarding because I have always been a Superman fan. I remember his debut in Action Comics, I enjoyed the radio series and the Kirk Alyn serials, and I was a George Reeves fan. It was a thrill when I got the part on Broadway and had the honor to work with the brilliant producer/director Hal Prince ('Cabaret,' 'Evita,') and the charismatic star Jack Cassidy (father of actor Patrick Cassidy on 'Smallville'). Superman is a positive and indelible part of American popular culture."
In 2003, Mr. Holiday performed several songs from his popular nightclub act at the 25th Annual Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois. During his time on stage at the festival, he reminisced about his experiences flying and singing on the Broadway stage as Superman and also did a super-special number from the musical. Copies of his new book, "Superman on Broadway," were also available at the Celebration, as well as other unique souvenir items.
Brian McKernan and Toni Collins of SupermanBobHoliday.com have shared that Mr. Holiday's daughter Kelly and his son-in-law Joe were at his side upon his passing.
On a personal note, Mr. Holiday was a dear friend of the Superman Super Site and, although I never met him in person, I had an opportunity to speak with him over the phone many times. He was always more than happy to talk about his career and share stories about his life and all the interesting people he had encountered throughout the years. Rest in peace Superman, you will be missed by all that had the honor of knowing you.
