Bryan Batt just mentioned it on his Facebook page.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Terrible news. I was privileged enough to see him perform while he was still in The Producers and it was an absolute highlight of the show. Condolences to his friends and family.
What? This is a shocker. RIP to an endlessly talented man. Loved him in everything I saw him in. From The Producers to his heartbreaking performance on Queer as Folk. A sad day.
Absolutely adored Gary Beach. His performance in the film of The Producers made me fall in love with musical theater. So, fortunate to have seen him perform in SPAMalot in Oklahoma City a few months later.
What a talented man. He had so much joy in The Producers, and we're lucky that Mel Brooks and Susan Stroman let him reprise his stage performance on screen.
I believe he had retired from acting a few years ago, but I had always hoped he could be lured back to the stage with another great role. He will be missed.
Gary was a very talented performer and I consider myself luck that I was able see him perform so many times in my young life. Peace and best thoughts to his husband and family at this time. He will be greatly missed.
I am sorry to hear about his passing. His performance in PRODUCERS (theater and film) was a delight. My condolences to his family and all who were lucky enough to work with him.
A wonderfully talented comedic actor. He was excellent in The Producers, and I didn’t realize how good he was until I saw his understudy on a return visit. Missed him in La Cage because he was filming The Producers (though Bryan Batt was excellent), but enjoyed his take on Thenardier in Les Miz.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Sad to hear. I only saw him in the movie version of the Producers. However two years ago I thought of him for Edna in Hairspray Live in case Harvey Fierstein was just going to do the script adaptation.
Charlotte is an insult to the community and thinks that only people who are A List stars (regardless of if they only had one broadway credit) deserve the lights being dimmed, not the men and women who actually gave their life to Broadway.
A glorious performer. Saw him twice in The Producers (including the 1st Chicago tryout preview) and in Legends! (with ...). There might have been more. Have to consult the reference books. While in NYC in May 2001, I saw him arriving in front of the St. James in grand style - and dressed impeccably - prior to the Saturday matinee of The Producers. Wonderful!
I adore Gary's performances both in the film version of The Producers, as well as on the BATB soundtrack. Such a talented personality that we lost far too early.