Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actor René Auberjonois passes away at 79

He’s also known for his role as Clayton Endicott III in the sitcom Benson

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine actor René Auberjonois passes away at 79 1

René Auberjonois, known for his role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away. He was 79. Sadly, Auberjonois joins the list of Star Trek actors that have died in recent years.

According to Auberjonois’ son, Rèmy, the beloved actor passed away on Sunday. “I can confirm that he died peacefully at home in LA following a battle with metastatic lung cancer,” Rèmy said in a statement. “He was an incredibly accomplished and admired actor, whose roles in iconic theatrical productions, TV series, films, video games and animated series brought laughter and pathos to many many people.”

Rèmy also called his father a “proud progressive and consummate professional and craftsman” as well as a “dedicated father and grandfather” with a “fantastic sense of humor.”

Auberjonois played the Changeling named Odo in the entire seven-season run of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His shape-shifting character was the security chief of the show’s titular space station, who also harbored secret feelings for his co-worker, Kira (Nana Visitor). Aside from being one of the main cast members of the show, Odo had also directed eight episodes of the series.

Soon after the news of his death broke, several celebrities from the Star Trek franchise took to Twiiter to remember and honor Auberjonois.

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to starring in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Auberjonois starred as Clayton Endicott III, the hardworking yet pompous governor’s chief of staff in the sitcom Benson. This role earned him an Emmy nomination for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series in 1984, before getting another Emmy nod for outstanding guest actor in a drama series in 2001 for his role as Judge Mantz in the legal drama The Practice.

Auberjonois other acting credits include films Batman Forever and The Little Mermaid, TV shows Madam Secretary and Saving Grace, as well as animated series The Legend of Tarzan and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Aside from his son Rèmy, Auberjonois is also survived by his wife Judith Auberjonois, his sisters Marie-Laure Degener and Anne Auberjonois, his daughter Tessa Auberjonois, his son-in-law Adrian Latourelle, his daughter-in-law Kate Nowlin, and his three grandchildren.

Sources: ComicBook.com, CNN, E! News
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