RIP Andreas Katsulas

I heard on the radio today that actor Andreas Katsulas had passed away after a long illness (lung cancer). I went online as soon as I got home and found that the death had actually occurred on Feb. 13. This is sad news. Andreas played a number of Mafia type heavies in police shows, but is better known for his recurring character of Romulan Commander Tomaloc in Star Trek: The Next Generation and is best known as Ambassador G'Kar in all five seasons of Babylon 5.

It was Babylon 5 that gave Mr. Katsulas his chance to showcase his considerable acting talents. As G'Kar he had to act from beneath heavy reptilian makeup and a large enveloping costume. He had to communicate with body language and tone of voice what other actors do with facial expression. As the overall arc of Babylon 5 developed G'Kar was transformed from a strutting and scheming comic-opera figure into a statesman and humanitarian philosopher. Andreas' acting skills were up to every challenge.

He will be missed.