Robert Gibby Brand in KCAT’s 2024 production of The Lehman Trilogy (photo by Brian Paulette)
Robert Gibby Brand, one of Kansas City’s finest actors, passed away April 17 from cancer. He was 69.
Brand performed in dark dramas and light comedies with equal finesse. Audiences had seen his work at Kansas City Repertory Theatre, the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, the Unicorn Theatre, the Coterie, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre and Kansas City Actors Theatre, among others. His wife, theater and opera director Linda Brand, had directed him several times, including a UMKC production of “Man of La Mancha” when they were both graduate students and later in the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre production of “M. Butterfly.”
His performances were distinguished by his quick wit, impeccable diction and psychological depth. If a director needed an intellectual, a fop, a monarch, a tortured artist or a member of the British upper class from any era, Brand was the go-to actor.
Mournful accolades poured in on social media at the news of his passing.
“Our friend, our colleague, Robert Gibby Brand was, by every measure, the epitome of professionalism, exuding class and sophistication with an appetite for theatre, music and literature,” wrote Karen Paisley, co-founder and artistic director of Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, where Brand had delivered many of his most memorable performances in recent years. “Bob’s work ethic and effortless talent was felt by all those that shared the stage with him. He was a big part of our success.”
Dennis D. Hennessey, co-founder of the New Theatre, wrote that the Brand “was one of our best. Bob was not only an extraordinary actor, but a kind and generous soul. His presence on a Kansas City Stage will be missed.”
And director Darren Sextro of Kansas City Actors Theatre wrote this: “Oh, the many lives that one great, glorious actor gets to live. Robert Gibby Brand was that spectacular… His absence from our stages seems unfathomable.”
“And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest” RIP