AmericanActorMaleMusical theatre

Laurence Guittard

Laurence Guittard is an American actor and singer known for his extensive Broadway work, including a Tony-nominated role in ''A Little Night Music'', and also appearing in film and television.

1. Overview

Laurence Guittard is an American actor and singer, primarily known for his extensive work on the Broadway stage. Born in 1939, he made his Broadway debut in 1965 and has since appeared in numerous acclaimed musical theatre productions, earning a Tony Award nomination and a Theatre World Award for his role in A Little Night Music. His career also spans film and television, showcasing his versatility across various mediums.

2. Early Life and Background

Laurence Guittard was born on July 16, 1939, in San Francisco, California, United States. He is a descendant of the family that founded the Guittard Chocolate Company, a prominent American chocolate manufacturer.

3. Theatre Career

Laurence Guittard has had a prolific career in theatre, making his mark on Broadway and in various regional and international productions.

3.1. Broadway Debut and Major Roles

Guittard made his Broadway debut in 1965 in the musical Baker Street. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm in Stephen Sondheim's acclaimed musical A Little Night Music, a role for which he received a Tony Award nomination and won the 1973 Theatre World Award. He also played the iconic role of Curly in the 1979 revival of Oklahoma! and appeared as Don Quixote in multiple productions of Man of La Mancha.

3.2. Other Stage Productions

Beyond his major Broadway roles, Guittard has lent his baritone voice and acting talents to a variety of other stage works. He appeared in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me and the musical revue Rodgers and Hart. In 1995, he returned to A Little Night Music, this time taking on the role of Frederik opposite Judi Dench's Desiree at the Royal National Theatre in London. He also co-starred with Donna McKechnie, Dee Hoty, and Tony Roberts in the highly praised all-star 1998 revival of the Sondheim-Goldman musical Follies at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Guittard received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his ensemble performance in the play Cloud Nine. In more recent years, he has made extensive appearances at the Ahmanson Theatre and at the Old Globe in San Diego.

4. Film and Television Career

Guittard's acting career extends beyond the stage to include notable roles in both film and television.

4.1. Film

In 1978, Guittard reprised his stage role as Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm in the cinematic adaptation of A Little Night Music, which featured Elizabeth Taylor in a starring role. He also appeared in the 1978 comedy-mystery film Somebody Killed Her Husband.

4.2. Television

His television credits include appearances in the series Three's Company, the television film Covenant, and The Man Without a Country, a television film released in 1973.

5. Recordings and Musical Contributions

Laurence Guittard has also contributed to musical recordings. In 1973, he participated in a special celebration of Stephen Sondheim at the Shubert Theatre. During this event, performed by an all-star cast including Angela Lansbury, Alexis Smith, Dorothy Collins, Chita Rivera, Glynis Johns, Hermione Gingold, Anthony Perkins, and Larry Kert, Guittard performed the song "We're Gonna Be All Right." His performance was included on the live recording of the occasion, titled Sondheim: A Musical Tribute (1973).

6. Awards and Nominations

Laurence Guittard has received several accolades throughout his distinguished career. For his performance as Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm in A Little Night Music, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. For the same role, he was awarded the 1973 Theatre World Award. Additionally, he earned the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his ensemble performance in the play Cloud Nine.