"Star Trek" Actor Rene Auberjonois Passes Away Aged 79

Dec 09, 2019 by apost team

René Auberjonois, known for his roles in “Boston Legal” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” passed away yesterday (December 8) at his home in Los Angeles, California. The actor had been battling metastatic lung cancer, he was 79-years-old. 

Auberjonois' son confirmed the news of his death to the Associated Press. The 79-year-old had a prolific career both in film, television, and the live stage. Auberjonois also came from a multi-cultural background, having lived in New York, Paris, and London. 

According to the New York Times, the younger Auberjonois even lived in an artists’ colony in Rockland County, New York and among the residents were actors John Houseman, Helen Hayes and Burgess Meredith. 

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Auberjonois began touring with theater companies before he got his big break on broadway by earning three different roles in 1968. In 1969, the actor received a Tony award for best actor in a leading role in a musical for his portrayal of Sebastian Baye in “Coco.” A play on the life of designer Coco Chanel his co-star at the time was Katharine Hepburn. He would later be nominated three more times. 

Auberjonois made the switch from the stage to the big screen and starred as a chaplain in the film, "M.A.S.H."(1972). Auberjonois then began making appearances in popular sitcoms before joining the cast of “Benson" in 1980. Later on, Auberjonois did voice character for animated movies such as “The Little Mermaid"(1989). 

However one of Auberjonois' most recognizable roles was as Odo on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” from 1993 till 1999. Later on, the actor starred on the show "Boston Legal" from 2004 to 2008.  

The actor is survived by his wife of 56 years, writer Judith Auberjonois; sisters Marie-Laure Degener and Anne Auberjonois; daughter Tessa Auberjonois; son-in-law Adrian Latourelle, daughter-in-law Kate Nowlin and three grandchildren.

Our condolences go out to René Auberjonois' family and friends. Pass this article along so others may know of his tragic passing.