The star of the 1990s TV series "Benson", passed away in 2017, what is his name?

The star of the 1990s TV series "Benson" who passed away in 2017 was Robert Guillaume. He played the title character, Benson DuBois, a quick-witted butler who rose through the household and political worlds of the sitcom.

Guillaume first introduced Benson on the sitcom "Soap" in 1977. The character became popular enough to receive his own spin-off, "Benson," which aired from 1979 to 1986. The series followed Benson as he worked for a wealthy family and later became involved in state-government politics.

The role made Guillaume one of television's most acclaimed performers. He won Primetime Emmy Awards for playing Benson on both "Soap" and "Benson," making him the first actor to win Emmys for the same character in two different series. He also voiced Rafiki in Disney's 1994 animated film "The Lion King."

Robert Guillaume died on October 24, 2017, at age 89, after complications from prostate cancer. He is sometimes confused with other sitcom stars of the era, but Guillaume was the actor behind Benson's distinctive dry humor and polished delivery.