……BY BILLY SUTER……
SOUTH Africa lost another showbiz legend yesterday when Bruce Millar, famous for his title role in the first South African production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, became “one more angel in heaven”, to quote one of the hit songs from Joseph.
The Bulawayo-born star of theatre, radio, TV and pop music was 77 when he passed away in Johannesburg.
Social media tributes for Millar – who climbed local charts in the mid-1970s with the hits I Won’t Give Up and When I’m Dead and Gone – were quick to appear. Among them was a heartfelt message from Richard Loring, who played The Narrator, opposite Millar, in the original South African touring production of Joseph, first staged in 1974.
Loring wrote on his Facebook page: “Stepping off the plane at Jan Smuts Airport on October 10, 1969, with Bruce Millar, who was to play Bobby to my Tony in The Boyfriend – little did we both realise that with Bruce breaking his foot, it would be some four years later, in November 1974, at the Alexander Theatre, along with Alvon Collison, we would become known as the Three Musketeers in a then-little-known show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which would go on to become South Africa’s most successful musical.”
Alvon Collison, who died at the age of 79 in January 2021, played the Elvis Presley-inspired Pharaoh in Joseph, a production directed by John Hussey and which featured choreography by Geoffrey Sutherland.
Added Loring: “Bruce had by then become known for his dramatic portrayal in Butterflies Are Free and his spiritual, moving role in Des and Dawn Lindberg’s Godspell.
“His acclaimed performances as Joseph won him many fans who bought into his chart-topping I Won’t Give Up and pop career. Interestingly, the Three Musketeers, winning over hundreds of thousands of admiring fans around the country, never challenged but supported each other’s fame.
“Moving on into solo and the dramatic stage, Bruce also had a wonderful career for many years with the SABC, heading up the radio drama department. Remembered by hundred of thousands of young females for his winning smile and voice, he will be sorely missed by his many friends in show business and loving family, to whom we send our condolences.”
Loring said he remembered Millar for his professionalism, warmth and humility.
“RIP my longtime colleague,” he wrote at the end of his Facebook tribute.
Millar’s daughter, Natasha Lurie, wrote on her Facebook page: “It’s with an incredibly shattered heart that I announce the passing of my brilliantly talented and wonderfully kind dad, Bruce Cameron Millar. Pops, there are absolutely no words to describe this loss. We miss you immensely already, daddy!”
In response to Lurie’s message, director Bobby Heaney wrote: “So sorry, Natasha. Bruce was one of my dearest friends for over 45 years. Strength to you.”
Millar was born in Bulawayo on December 17, 1945. As an actor, he trained in Bristol, England, graduating with a BA Joint Honours Drama and English, and then spent two years at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
He was first seen on stage in South Africa as the blind boy in Butterflies Are Free. Subsequent stage successes included starring in an adaptation of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, directed by Taubie Kuschlick and staged between 1975 and 1983. Millar also appeared in Grease (1977), The Bed (1980), I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road (1980) and Lennon (1981).
He sang on the opening night variety show that launched SABCTV in January 1976, and other television appearances included The Danny Bickett Show, Along Came a Spider and being the presenter of Follow That Star.
Radio credits included playing Al Capone in Mr Scarface and Pip in Great Expectations. He also appeared in the internationally released films Safari 3000 (with David Carradine and Stockard Channing), Oh Brother! and Rogue Lion.
Millar won the Gallo Award for Best Performance in a Musical for Godspell, in which he played Jesus, and in 1976 he received two Sari Awards – for Best Male Vocalist and Top Twenty Artist of the Year.
.....SoSuterBill..... 
I am Bruce’s sister , Heather , living in Bulawayo … I REALLY appreciate the tone of your article – our parents would have been so proud of all that Bruce achieved , and also how admired , loved & respected he was … not many ” theatrical ” people can claim that !
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Thank you… And condolences. I was a teen when Joseph came out and a big fan.
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Dear Heather ~ it’s Roz Monat here. I am a close friend of Bruce’s and actually think I met you when we came to Bulawayo in 1974 with Godspell. I met your mother and, indeed, your father (a charming man if I remember!) at your home and I do remember his, sister being there, who must be you. How lovely to make contact. Please, please know your brother was ~ and still is ~ deeply loved.
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Hello, Heather. So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I remember him well from Bristol University’s Drama Department. He was so pleasant to work with. I still have a photo of us together in a play — him with his sweet face and fair hair.
I’m so glad he found success.
Deepest sympathy.
veralustig@mail.com
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That’s a lovely quote. Thanks for sharing. He was so talented and sweet. I hope you’re having a better time too.
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I was at school with Bruce in Bulawayo, and was so impressed by his mature, powerful performance in a school production of Macbeth. He had a great sense of humour too, reading Macbeth in class at Evelyn in a Scottish accent. Rest in peace, dear Bruce, from Liz Davies in Cambridge
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GOODBYE DEAREST BRUCE. YOU WERE LOVED BY EVERYONE WHO KNEW YOU. SAYS IT ALL
GOD BLESS
ERICA (ROGERS)
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Thanks for the comment
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Farewell Bruce and thanks again for your generosity in narrating and singing “kids Rule..OK” I will never forget your contribution to my book and audio
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R.I.P. another great performing artist. Thank you for sharing your gift.
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Thanks for the comment.
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The most beautiful voice in the world made me fall in love with him when I was a teen. Saw Joseph and Jacques Brel about 50 times just to see his gorgeous face and listen to his melodious music. He was my idol.
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When I reached rock bottom in 1989, whenever I was wandering the streets of Port Elizabeth and things were bleak and cloudy, some way, from some source, “I won’t give up” played. It was magic and kept me going against all odds… I am 35 years sober now and I thank Bruce for each year. I still cry when I listen to the song. Thank you Bruce – Love Mias S.
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When I reached rock bottom in 1989, whenever I was wandering the streets of Port Elizabeth and things were bleak and cloudy, some way, from some source, “I won’t give up” played. It was magic and kept me going against all odds… I am 35 years sober now and I thank Bruce for each year. I still cry when I listen to the song. Thank you Bruce – Love Mias S.
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When I reached rock bottom in 1989, whenever I was wandering the streets of Port Elizabeth and things were bleak and cloudy, some way, from some source, “I won’t give up” played. It was magic and kept me going against all odds… I am 35 years sober now and I thank Bruce for each year. I still cry when I listen to the song. Thank you Bruce – Love Mias S.
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Ah, that is so touching. I was at school with Bruce, and he was always funny and kind. He used to do the concerts for the troopies during the harrowing civil war days.
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Bruce Millar was a professional in everything he did. I never missed his radio shows. He was witty and his general knowledge was unsurpassed. I was 12 when “I Won’t Give Up” dominated the SA hit parades and I copied the words from the 7-single until I could impress the girls.
A soft-spoken gentleman that I will miss.
Stephen
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My grandmother served as Bruce’s helper for many years, during which time we developed a wonderful relationship. I will always cherish the beautiful desk lamp he once gifted me — a gesture that speaks to his kindness and generosity. To this day, I still use it, and it reminds me of the warmth he brought into our lives. I am deeply grateful to God for the privilege of having known such an extraordinary man
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