Stage actor, Brian had been battling with cancer for two years, and died on Wednesday at his home in California.

An integral part of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada, acting and directing in 27 seasons of the acclaimed festival, Brian received seven Tony nominations across his career and as Robin in the 1973 animation, Brian found a new generation of fans.
He joined the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in the early 1950s and became known for his English-speaking interpretations of playwright Molière, including The School for Wives, for which he won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play.

He is survived by Tim MacDonald, his partner since 1986 and husband since 2013.