The Entertainer

By Josh Tyrangiel

Several years ago, noted baritone and TIME subscriber Robert Goulet wrote a fan letter--on gold-embossed stationery--to my friend and fellow writer Joel Stein. Soon after, a trip to Las Vegas was booked, with Joel graciously bringing me along to dine with Robert and his wife Vera beneath Picassos at the Bellagio. There were stories about Richard Burton and Ed Sullivan, choruses of Camelot and a few empty bottles. More Goulet dinners followed, each one unforgettable in its own way. Robert was famous for almost 50 years. He got the best tables and told great stories about people long forgotten. He was aware that fame as a singer and cameo maker was an odd thing but one that could thrill people nonetheless. Once I saw him sneak up behind a tourist playing slots. When she turned around, he raised a handsome eyebrow and growled, 'Goulet!' She almost keeled over. Then she hugged him. "I got to entertain, kid," he said. "Any way I can."