Carl Anderson, Judas In 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' Dies

wftv.com ^ | 02/24/2004 | staff

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

The actor-singer who played Judas in the film and stage versions of "Jesus Christ: Superstar" has died.

According to the Virginia paper Lynchburg News & Advance, Carl Anderson died in Los Angeles Monday after a battle with leukemia. He was 58.

Anderson was a Lynchburg native. According to the paper, he regularly returned to his hometown to perform and conduct workshops.

According to Broadway.com, Anderson made his Broadway debut as Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar" -- written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice -- in 1971. He landed the film role of Judas for the film version, opposite Ted Neely as Jesus, six months later.

The film role earned Anderson Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture Actor in a Musical or Comedy and Most Promising Newcomer -- Male in 1974. The stage role a earned Anderson a NAACP Award for Theater, reported the Lynchburg News & Advance.

Anderson reprised his role as Judas for the 20th anniversary tour of the stage version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 1992, and he embarked on another tour of the musical with Sebastian Bach in the role of Jesus (pictured with Anderson, above) just before being diagnosed with leukemia.

Anderson's other Broadway roles included "Play On!" and he can be heard on the concept recording of Frank Wildhorn's "The Civil War."

On film, Anderson also appeared in "The Color Purple," and he guest starred on several television shows including "The Rockford Files," "Magnum, "P.I.," "Starsky & Hutch" and "The Incredible Hulk."

Anderson is survived by his mother, wife, son, two stepdaughters, six sisters and three brothers. A memorial fund has been set up in Anderson's name at the Lynchburg Academy of Fine Arts, at 600 Main St., Lynchburg, VA 24504. Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc.

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[Intolerant in NJ]

...But I do not believe that there is any sincere worry that this movie is antisemitic--I believe it is a phony concern to score political points...I believe you're absolutely correct - sadly, the way the left engages in political discourse these days - because they can't win many arguments on the merits of their logic, they engage in what amounts to emotional extortion - attempting to make their opponents feel guilty or embarrassed to make them shut up or at least hold back on their arguments - fortunately there seem to be more and more like Gibson who are on to the game and will not be intimidated.........

[kattracks]

A pity that Carl Anderson's talent was not more widely acclaimed. He was fantastic!

Rest in peace.