Robert Fox, Beloved Broadway and West End Producer, Passes Away at 73

Robert Fox, a prominent theatrical producer known for his engaging presence and remarkable creativity, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. His wife, Golfar, reflected on his final moments, stating, “He died in exactly the way he planned: at home looking out to his flower-filled garden surrounded by his wife and five children on a glorious spring afternoon. It was the epitome of an elegant Robert Fox production.”

Fox had an innate confidence, distinguished taste, and a good heart that endeared him to many.

His notable work included producing films such as Richard Eyre’s Iris (2001), depicting the life of author Iris Murdoch, featuring performances by Kate Winslet and Hugh Bonneville. The film transitioned into a compelling narrative with Judi Dench and Jim Broadbent portraying the couple in their later years, earning Broadbent an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2002.

Fox also produced The Audience, a successful theatrical piece written by Peter Morgan, which starred Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II. This production later became the inspiration for Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown, for which Fox served as an executive producer.

From left: Stephen Daldry, Suzanne Mackie, Matthew Byam Shaw, Peter Morgan, Jessica Hobbs, Oona O’Beirn and Robert Fox at ‘The Crown’ Emmys celebration in 2021
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Fox was deeply embedded in a legacy of theatrical talent, being the youngest son of theatrical agent Robin Fox and actress Angela Worthington. His family background positioned him as a figure of stage and screen royalty, with works such as Noël Coward’s “Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington” highlighting his mother’s influence.

His brothers, actors Edward Fox and James Fox, and his nieces, including Emilia Fox and Freddie Fox, continue this legacy in the arts. Many stage performers praised Fox for his ability to calm their nerves when embarking on new productions.

Fox’s productions included the hit play Lettice and Lovage, starring Margaret Tyzack. Known for his accommodating nature, he enabled Tyzack to accompany fellow actress Maggie Smith to New York for the show’s transfer, reasoning, “If Maggie’s happy, then the whole company’s happy.”

Smith once noted her reluctance to relocate the production, humorously stating she wouldn’t consider moving it to Woking, “let alone Broadway.”

Judi Dench and Maggie Smith
Dave Benett/Getty Images

Fox had a long-standing working relationship with Maggie Smith, producing several plays featuring her, including David Hare’s The Breath of Life. During productions, Fox provided steady support and encouragement, a sentiment echoed by Hare. “Anyone who was Maggie Smith’s unfailing producer of choice had exceptional patience for incomparable rewards,” Hare stated.

Hare further added, “Robert Fox was not the last of the gentleman producers but he was their exemplar — decent, loyal, uncomplaining, supportive, discerning, with superb taste but also recklessly funny about show business and all its absurdities.”

Richard Eyre, who worked closely with Fox, noted, “Robert was a wonderful producer and friend — very fair and witty and wise and knowledgeable. I’ll miss him terribly.”

Scott Rudin, Fox’s frequent Broadway collaborator, recognized him as “as bold and original a producer as any of the greatest,” adding that Fox’s contributions were marked by exceptional taste, insight, and humor. “Nobody I ever worked with was smarter about how to make something good than Robert was,” he said, reflecting on their fruitful collaborations over the years.

Throughout his career, Fox produced numerous acclaimed plays, including Goose Pimples, Anyone for Dennis?, Another Country, and The Seagull, among many others.

Robert Fox in 2023
Courtesy of Susie Graves

Currently, a revival of the musical Chess is on Broadway. Fox produced the original 1984 London production. In a tribute, lyricist Tim Rice expressed his condolences, stating, “We are very sad to say that one of the most inspirational and dedicated supporters of Chess, Robert Fox, has died in England… His loss will be particularly felt in his home country as he was a remarkable contributor to so many theatrical and cinematic successes.”

Robert E. Wankel, chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization, also paid tribute to Fox, acknowledging their long-standing collaboration since 1986 and highlighting Fox’s qualities of intelligence, honesty, and a collaborative spirit.

In film, Fox produced notable works including A Month by the Lake, Notes on a Scandal, and Wilde Salome. He also worked as an executive producer on acclaimed films like Atonement and Closer.

Initially aspiring to act, Fox auditioned for Bob Fosse’s Cabaret before deciding to pursue a career in production.

Fox was married three times, first to costume designer Celestia Fox, then to actress Natasha Richardson, and most recently to Golfar, a writer and former editor at Vogue.