René Auberjonois.Photo: Noam Galai/WireImage
René Auberjonois— a long-time actor known for his roles inStar Trek: Deep Space Nine,Boston Legaland more — has died. He was 79.
The star’s son, Rèmy-Luc Auberjonois, told the Associated Press that his father died at home on Sunday after a battle with metastatic lung cancer.
An update to Auberjonois’ official Twitter account confirmed the news,with a tweet reading, “(Minions say: We’re sad to confirm that René passed away today, Sunday, December 8).”
Auberjonois was born in 1940 in New York City, to Swiss-American journalist Fernand Auberjonois and Princess Laure Louise Napoléone Eugénie Caroline Murat. After graduating from the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1962, he began working in theater and made his Broadway debut in 1968.
In 1969, Auberjonois earned aTony Awardfor best actor in a lead role in a musical, for his portrayal of Sebastian Baye in the playCocoalongsideKatharine Hepburn. He would go on to nab three more Tony nominations in 1973, 1984 and 1989.
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Rene Auberjonois inBoston Legal.Abc-Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock
René Auberjonois (top left) inStar Trek: Deep Space Nine.Paramount Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock
Auberjonois was also known for his work in the 1970 film version ofMASH, as Father John Patrick “Dago Red” Mulcahy in his big-screen debut, as well as for his role as Clayton Endicott III inBensonfrom 1980 to 1986.
Aside from his live-action roles on screen and stage, the star left behind a prolific portfolio of voice work, including dozens of audiobook narrations and a turn as Chef Louis in 1989 animated Disney classicThe Little Mermaid.
“Au revoir@reneauberjonois— you were the first and the best!#RIPCHEF LOUIS,” wrote Stamos, 56.
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Auberjonois’ fellowStar Trekalums expressed their grief over the loss of their friend on Twitter.William Shatner wrote, “I have just heard about the death of my friend and fellow actor@reneauberjonois. To sum up his life in a tweet is nearly impossible.”
“To Judith, Tessa & Remy Isend you my love & strength,” he added. “I will keep you in my thoughts and remember a wonderful friendship with René.”
George Takei tweeted, “This is a terrible loss. Star Trek fans knew him as Odo from Deep Space Nine. We knew him as René. He was a wonderful, caring, and intelligent man. He shall be missed. WhenI look out to the stars, I shall think of you, friend.”
source: people.com
