Michael Ansara (1922-2013)

"There is a storm coming, a black and terrible storm. We would not have our knowledge lost or used to ill purpose. From this place we will launch ourselves into the stars.”

 

-Michael Ansara as Elric from the writing of J. Michael Straczynski in Babylon 5, The Geometry Of Shadows-

This is a little delayed.  I simply could not get to a computer the day of his passing.  It's never too late to pay tribute to talent.

The man who would be Elric of the Technomages and essentially warned the Babylon 5 universe of the coming of Shadows and led his people beyond the rim of the galaxy in the wonderful entry The Geometry of Shadows (Babylon 5, Season Two, Episode 3) has passed.



Syrian born Michael Ansara (1922-2013) was an important player in science fiction delivering a host of wonderful, colorful characters throughout science fiction.  He embodied memorable roles in Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1964) (Killers Of The Deep), The Outer Limits (Soldier written by Harlan Ellison) (1964), as The Ruler in Lost In Space (1966) (Season One, Episode 22, The Challenge; played The Ruler opposite a young Kurt Russell as his son Quano), The Time Tunnel (two episodes) The Mod Squad (1971), as Killer Kane in Buck Rogers In The 25th Century (1979-1981) and Elric in Babylon 5 (1994).



Ansara was a prominent character voice within the Star Trek mythology.  He is one of a small cadre of people to retain the same role across the Star Trek universe.  As Kang he appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969) (Season Three Episode 7, Day Of The Dove), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1994-1996) (Season Two, Episode 19, Blood Oath) and Star Trek: Voyager (1996) (Season Three, Episode 2, Flashback).  Ansara also appeared as Jeyal, husband of Lwaxana Troi, in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Season Four, Episode 21, The Muse).



Speaking of muses, Ansara was married to the gorgeous Barbara Eden (I Dream Of Jeannie) for many years and had one son.  His hometown was Lowell, MA.  He was a 91 when he passed.