Originated Nicky Arnstein on Broadway

March 5, 2009
Sydney Chaplin was Barbra Streisand's leading man when "Funny Girl" opened on Broadway in 1964. He created the role of Nicky Arnstein, the notorious gambler husband of Fanny Brice. Chaplin would be the first in a series of Nickys Barbra would eventually get to play opposite, most notably Omar Sharif in the film.

Even though Chaplin received a Tony nomination for his performance in "Funny Girl," he left the show in mid 1965. Some speculate that he had creative differences with producer Ray Stark. Others contend that those creative differences were actually with his leading lady. However you care to look at it, Chaplin and Streisand created a successful template for "Funny Girl" that would turn their show into one of the most memorable Broadway musicals of all time.

Sydney Chaplin's dad was the legendary Charlie. While Sydney's notoriety never came close to that of his famous father's, he did have a successful career. He was nominated for a Tony Award on two occasions. He won his only Tony in 1956 as Best Featured Actor in a Musical opposite Judy Holliday in "Bells Are Ringing," another Jule Styne show. In that show, Chaplin performed the number "Just In Time." Barbra recorded Chaplin's song on "The Third Album."