Bobby Banas’ Son Confirms His Passing

Mary Poppins and West Side Story actor Bobby Banas has died at the age of 90. Banas’ son confirmed his father’s passing through an Instagram post.

“Today was the day that [Bobby Banas] chose to soar up into the infinite light of the heavens above,” his son wrote. “A son, brother, father, grandfather, and a true legend of stage & screen. You played with the best of them. You touched and taught so many, gave of your talents and generosity always with a laugh and funny sense of humor.”

“Thanks for being the best pop a kid could ask for. I will love you forever and ever,” the statement continued. “Fly on joyboy… I know the dance party up above is going to be amazing!!!”

Banas — whose full name was Robert Joseph Banas — was born in New York City in 1933. From an early age, he developed a passion for dance and aimed to become a professional dancer.

Recalling his love for dance, Banas once said, “I would immediately run and stand in a doorway pretending it was a frame for a small stage. I then would jive, moving my body to and fro, trying to keep up with the beat of the music. When the music would crescendo, I’d leap in the air defying gravity, only to land in a heap. I’d pick myself up and start it all over again.”

Throughout his career, Banas appeared in numerous stage shows including Carousel, Kiss Me Kate, Annie Get Your Gun, Brigadoon, and Peter Pan.

In addition to his stage career, Banas also made his mark on the big screen with roles in Mary Poppins, West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Bobby Banas is survived by his son, director and photographer Eden Tyler Banas.