A Life Poured Out: Honoring the Legacy of Robert Klein

Robert Chandler Klein (SCA ’92), who passed away unexpectedly on February 20, 2025, lived a life fully surrendered to Christ—marked by artistry, humility, and a deep desire to serve others. Whether performing on stage, teaching in a classroom, or leading on the mission field, Robert embodied the very heart of Regent University’s mission: to equip Christian servant-leaders to change the world for God’s glory.

His journey began in California, where he was a state-ranked swimmer and athlete. But it was on the stage—and eventually in the Kingdom—where he would make his most lasting impact. He left college early to pursue a professional singing and acting career, performing with musical theater companies across the Midwest. But it was during his time at New York University (NYU) that everything changed.

“I think the Lord finally got through to him that he desperately needed the Lord,” recalls his wife, Dr. Nancy Klein. “Robert gave his life to Christ and went back to college to finish the degree he had started years before.”

It was at NYU that Robert met Nancy. Just three months after meeting, they were engaged—and married three months later. Their union began what Nancy calls “forty-one years of adventures,” all marked by their shared passion for the arts and an unwavering commitment to Christ.

In 1986, their journey brought them to Virginia Beach. “Robert knew he was supposed to go to what was then CBN University,” Nancy shares. “The direction Robert took with the application of his gifts and talents, I know, was molded by Regent University.”

At Regent, Robert earned his master’s degree in communications/theatre arts—an experience that shaped not only his craft, but his calling. For decades, he poured into students as a theater and vocal music teacher in Virginia Beach Public Schools, using his classroom as a platform for both artistic and spiritual growth.

“Robert Klein was a role model for the kind of ‘Christian leader to change the world’ we are graduating,” says Dr. Joseph Umidi, Executive Vice President for Student Life. “His impact in the public schools of our Hampton Roads area is significant… both as an excellent teacher in theatre arts, as well as a character witness to the reality of Christ.”

But Robert’s influence reached far beyond the classroom. For 22 years, he portrayed Jesus in the annual Passion Play, The Man Called Jesus—a role that became both a ministry and a mission. When he knew that he could no longer physically perform the role, he continued to direct the 300-member cast and crew until 2013.

“Hundreds gave their lives to Christ, thousands of believers experienced personal revival, and people came from multiple states to see it,” Dr. Umidi explains. “When the production was translated into several languages, Robert’s ministry spanned the globe.”

“Our founder, Dr. M.G. ‘Pat’ Robertson’s vision for the gospel going forth from Regent, the Christian Broadcasting Network, and Operation Blessing was well actualized through Robert’s life and ministry,” he adds.

Robert approached the sacred role with reverence and surrender. “The only way he felt he could portray that role was that he would, after he got his makeup all on, go to a quiet place alone. Then he would empty himself and ask the Holy Spirit to fill him and to move through him,” Nancy recalls. “That’s why he was effective: not because of his talent, but because of his obedience.”

Together, Robert and Nancy led mission trips to countries throughout West Asia and Spain, bringing fine arts training to children and the message of Christ to countless hearts. Whether on the stage, in the classroom, or across borders, Robert lived to lift others — and point them to the Lord.

Now, his legacy continues through the Robert Chandler Klein Endowed Scholarship for the Performing Arts, created by Nancy to honor her husband’s life and calling. The scholarship will support undergraduate and graduate students in theater or vocal music at Regent’s School of Communication & the Arts (SCA)—future servant-artists who, like Robert, are called to transform culture through excellence and faith.

“Robert was a beloved alumnus of the Regent Theatre program,” says Dr. Simon Tarr, dean of SCA and Regent’s Honors College. “He and his wife are absolute legends and together formed one of the cornerstones of artistic performance in the region. These scholarships will bless students who follow in Robert’s legacy on stage in music and theater, and we’re so proud to be able to name this scholarship after him.”

“If somebody had a scholarship that could have helped us a little bit while he was at Regent, that would have been great,” Nancy reflects. “With the scholarship, Robert would want to help students attain their goals and give their gifts to God for His use.”

Through this scholarship, Regent University honors a man who used every gift to glorify Christ. And through the students it will support, Robert Klein’s legacy will live on—one note, one performance, and one act of servant leadership at a time.

For more information on how you can support the Robert Chandler Klein Memorial Scholarship, click here.

Photo Credit: TMCJ International Productions, Inc.