The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s longtime Santa Claus has died suddenly.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Robert Weidle passed away last night,” the zoo wrote in a private Facebook group on Thursday.
Weidle, 62, died hours after finishing his duties as the zoo’s Santa on Wednesday night, the zoo said. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
“Robert exemplified the holiday spirit and spread joy to all,” the zoo wrote in the post. “He was always in shape, with a ‘ho, ho, ho’ for everyone and animals he met.”
Robert Weidle has been the Cincinnati Zoo’s Santa for nearly 20 years.
“We are still processing this unexpected loss but wanted to let you know as Robert has likely been a part of your holiday celebrations (and family photos) over the years,” the zoo added. “Please keep his family in your thoughts.”
Weidle has been Santa at the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo since 2007.
He started playing Santa even earlier, though. His first Santa gig was during the Christmas season of 1991 at Eastgate Mall. He was looking for work as an actor, and his agent asked him if he would be interested in the part-time role of Santa.
“It wasn’t like it was going to be my regular, year-in, year-out gig,” he told the Enquirer in 2018.
But he fit the part. Weidle had a “big smile that was contagious” and a “cheerful attitude,” according to a post from The Footlighters, Inc.
“Robert was loved by anyone who met him,” wrote the Newport Community Theater Company. “With his unique laugh and good demeanor, he had a natural way of connecting with people instantly.”
Weidle was also an active member of the Greater Cincinnati Theater.
Weidle, or “Santa Robert,” poses for a photo at The Enquirer studio in Downtown Cincinnati in 2018.
He was an actor, director, producer, board member and box office manager for Footlighters. He has also been involved with Cincinnati Music Theatre, Mariemont Players, The Drama Workshop, Brieabi Productions, and Beechmont Players, among others.
According to the bio on the Brieabi Productions website, Weidle has been acting since he was 10 years old.
“But his favorite roles were David, Rob and Cassidy’s father, and Mia and Keito’s grandfather,” wrote Footlighters.
“His unexpected passing leaves a hole in our organization as his generous and kind heart,” they added. “We will miss him very much.”
A GoFundMe, describing him as “everyone’s Santa,” was created to help his children cover the financial costs of his funeral and burial after his unexpected death.
Santa’s visit to the Cincinnati Zoo will continue as scheduled through Dec. 23, said the zoo.
This article first appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer: The Cincinnati Zoo’s Santa of 17 years, Robert Weidle, has died.
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