Michael Ansara, a character actor best remembered for playing the Klingon warrior Kang on Star Trek, has died at age 91.
His former publicist, Michael B. Druxman, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, noting that Andara died after a battle with a prolonged illness. He died on July 31 at his Calabasas, California home.
Ansara was born in Syria to American parents. His career started with small roles as far back as the mid-1940s, but but he began getting larger roles as the 1950s began, appearing in the key 1953 films Julius Caesar and The Robe. He broke into television with the ABC Western Broken Arrow and Law of the Plainsman, playing Native Americans on both shows.
For Star Trek fans, he will always be remembered for appearing in episodes for three series. He played Klingon warrior Kang in the original series episode “Day of the Dove” and was called back to reprise the role on Deep Space Nine’s “Blood Oath” (1994) and Voyager’s “Flashback” (1996).
“Michael and I have been friends since 1968. He was my best friend. He had a long illness. He died at home. He was a great guy, and a wonderful actor,” Druxman told Entertainment Weekly in a statement. “I really miss him.”
Ansara’s last role was playing the voice of Mr. Freeze for Bruce Timm’s Batman animated series.
Ansara was previously married to I Dream of Jeannie’s Barbara Eden and they had one son, the late Matthew. According to the AP, he is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beverly and his sister.
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