From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Roger Rees (born 5 May 1944 - died 10 July 2015) was a Welsh actor. He is best known to American audiences for playing the characters Robin Colcord on the American television sitcom show Cheers and Lord John Marbury on the American television drama The West Wing. He won a Tony Award for his performance as the lead in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby.