Robert Goulet Passes Away at 73

Legendary performer Robert Goulet died yesterday morning at the age of 73. Goulet was hospitalized last month in Las Vegas, where he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a rare but rapidly progressive condition. The crooner passed away while awaiting a lung transplant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He failed to meet the criteria for the transplant. His physician, Doctor David Kipper, says Goulet was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. Goulet's wife of 25 years, Vera, tells CNN he was in good spirits to the end, telling doctors "Just watch my vocal cords" right before they inserted a breathing tube.

Goulet gained international fame in 1960 playing Sir Lancelot in Broadway's Camelot, with Richard Burton and Julie Andrews. His popularity grew through Las Vegas concerts and performances on programs like The Ed Sullivan Show. Many in my generation know Goulet best for his tongue-in-cheek comedic performances. Goulet played a role in several of my favorite comedies -- he was Maxie Dean in Beetlejuice, pitch-perfect as the villainous Quentin Hapsburg in The Naked Gun 2 1/2, and had a hilarious guest bit in Scrooged. He was also the singing voice of Wheezy the Penguin in Toy Story 2, and sang at Bart's treehouse casino on an episode of The Simpsons. And of course, the guy became hip all over again when Will Ferrell started doing an insane Goulet impression on Saturday Night Live. In fact, this Goulet sketch -- "Red Ships of Spain" -- is responsible for the hardest laughter I have ever experienced.

He will be missed. Head over to Goulet's personal website for more information.