Robert Stigwood, the producer behind some of the world’s most popular musicals including Grease, Evita, Saturday Night Fever, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, has died aged 81.
The Australian born impresario’s incredible career saw him not only enable some of the most iconic musical theatre performances to be immortalised on stage and screen, but also manage musicians including Cream, the Bee Gees and Eric Clapton.
From launching John Travolta to fame in Saturday Night Fever to casting the star alongside Olivia Newton John in Grease, his influence in the musical theatre genre has been unmeasurable, as demonstrated by the tributes that have today poured in from some of the West End’s best known producers, performers and writers.
Farewell beloved Robert, the great showman who taught me so much. With love, ALW.
— Andrew Lloyd Webber (@OfficialALW) January 4, 2016
Farewell to the extraordinary innovative generous #RobertStigwood. A vital part of my life (& @OfficialALW‘s). Thanks for so much, Robert.
— Sir Tim Rice (@SirTimRice) January 5, 2016
Stigwood worked extensively with both Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice on their productions of shows including Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, which he both produced on screen starring Madonna and on stage with musical theatre veteran Elaine Paige.
Upsetting news: passing of legend Robert Stigwood (who,amongst so much,produced theatre prods incl #Evita) … RIP pic.twitter.com/VlHvWze8aF
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) January 5, 2016
The news was announced earlier today by Bee Gees star Robin Gibb’s son Spencer Gibb who commented: “I would like to thank Robert for his kindness to me over the years as well as his mentorship to my family. ‘Stiggy’, you will be missed.”