Celebrity News June 03, 2018
'Soap' Actor Robert Mandan Dead at 86
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Robert Mandan, most recognizable for his work as philandering Chester Tate on the nighttime spoof of soaps "Soap" in the '80s, has died following a long illness, THR reports. He was 86.
Mandan's April 29 death in L.A. was confirmed to THR by his longtime friend, Gary Goldstein.
The actor specialized in entitled types, making his TV debut in 1958. He made many guest appearances, and was a recurring character on such shows as "The Doctors" (1963) and "Caribe" (1975).
It was "Soap" (1977-1981) that gave him his most high-profile role, followed by the TV adaptation "Private Benamin" (1982-1983) and both "Three's Company" (1984) and its spin-off "Three's a Crowd" (1984-1985). He sailed on "The Love Boat" frequently between 1978 and 1987, and had actual soap opera experience on "Santa Barbara" (1990-1991).
Among the films in which he appeared were "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1982) and "Zapped!" (1982).
Mandan, who appeared on Broadway opposite Lauren Bacall in 1970's "Applause," was active in local theater until the last few years of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry.
