Those that know me know that I love the show Babylon 5. It defined science fiction for television.
The beloved actor Andreas Katsulas, who brought to life the character of G’Kar, has died from lung cancer. He was 59.
I’d never met the man, but if the rest of the cast that I’ve been honored to have met is any indication, then he must have been a great person to have known.
For me, there is very little I can say except that he’ll be missed. Instead, I’ll reproduce what Joe Straczynski, creator, writer, and producer of Babylon 5 has said:
Just over a year ago, Andreas Katsulas — who loved smoking with a passion that cannot be described — was diagnosed with lung cancer, which by then had already spread to other areas. He quit smoking atonce and went on a healthy diet and vitamin program, but there was little hope of a good resolution even though the new regimen was very good for him. When we spoke about it, he laughed, and said, “Now that I’m dying I’ve never felt better!”
His spirits were always up and positive, putting everyone at ease about his condition, because…well, that’s the kind of person he was.
A couple of months ago, he and his wife convened a dinner with me, Doug, and Peter Jurasik, which was filled with laughter and stories and good food. He wanted to know all the stories we never told him because, as he said, “Who am I going to tell?” So we did. Because we knew we were saying goodbye, and there would not be a second chance.
Last night, in the company of his wife and family, Andreas closed his eyes and went away.
He lived an amazing life…full of travel and wonder and good work…was part of the world renowned Peter Brook company…he saw the planet, loved and was loved, ate at great restaurants, smoked too many cigarettes…he lived a life some people would die for.
And, sadly, due to the last part of that equation…he did.
Memorial arrangements are still being worked out, but will doubtless be private.
Andreas is gone…and G’Kar with him, because no one else can ever play that role, or ever will.
I will miss him terribly.
-J. Michael Straczynski
Peter David, who wrote a couple of episodes of Babylon 5, as well as several novelizations, had this to say:
He was a consumate professional. I once had the chance to observe him on the B5 set between takes. He would sit in a chair and just meditate, thoroughly in character as G’Kar. Cast and crew knew better than to come over and chat with him or make small talk. They respected his space and thorough preparation. And when he was out of make-up, he was approachable, polite, surprisingly soft-spoken and caring. (Kath will tell you her own encounter with him at a Maryland convention.) By the way, for those who don’t know, he also played the one-armed man in the Harrison Ford “The Fugitive.”
Kathleen David, Peter’s wife, has a beautiful story to tell as well:
Fast forward to a number of years later. Peter had told Andreas that Peter and I had gotten engaged. I had been introduced before that to him as Peter’s girlfriend. It might have been Farpoint or I-Con but it was 2001 and I am pretty sure it was Farpoint. Peter and I went to say Hi to Andreas. He was signing stuff but there was a lull. He saw us and rumbled to me “So you and Peter are to be married?” I told him yes that it was set for May. He said, “I need to talk to you.” He asked the people starting to line up for his autograph to give him a minute. He got up and we stepped away from the signing tables just him and me.
He told me that he considered Peter a friend and Andreas was concerned for his welfare since Peter is such a special guy. He asked if I loved Peter. I said of course. He asked me about how Peter and I met and a number of other questions.
Then he asked, “Does he make you laugh?”
“Yes. All the time. It is one of the reasons I love him.” I replied.
“Do you make him laugh?”
“I try.”
“Then you have my blessing. Be good to him.”
I promised I would and we returned to the signing table.
I am grateful that I met Andreas.
Bill Mumy, the actor that portrayed Lennier in Babylon 5, said:
Yesterday, Andreas Katsulas lost his battle with cancer and passed away.
Andreas was a wonderful actor, always grateful to be where he was. A quiet man with an acerbic sense of humor who always delivered the punchline perfectly.
He was a father and a husband and a friend. Even though he put himself down, his soulful blues vocals on “The Be Five” album we made together always were, and always will be my favorites. “How Was I to Know It Would End This Way?”
He will be missed.
–Bill Mumy 2/14
Thank you, Andreas, for G’Kar. We’ll Always Have Babylon.
RLR
Hat Tips: JMS News, Peter David, Kathleen David, Bill Mumy, Babylon Podcast
