It’s with a heavy heart that we share with you today’s sad news that another member of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine family has left us: beloved character actor René Auberjonois, who starred as the acerbic shapeshifter Odo for seven seasons, has died at age 79.
As reported by several trade publications this evening, Auberjonois had been fighting lung cancer for some time and, and the actor passed away on December 8, 2019, at his home in Los Angeles.
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Before his time aboard station Deep Space 9, Rene Auberjonois starred as the devious Colonel West in the director’s cut of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and then returned to the franchise in 2002 to guest star in “Oasis” in the first season of Star Trek: Enterprise.
While best known for his on-screen roles in Deep Space Nine, Benson, Boston Legal and others, Auberjonois was also prolific photographer, frequently sharing images from his life and travels on social media, when not attending one of the many fan conventions he would participate in throughout each calendar year.
Married for more than 56 years to his wife Judith, Auberjonois is also survived by two children.
The actor is the second member of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine cast to pass away, following the tragic death of Nog actor Aron Eisenberg earlier this fall, and is the first regular cast member of a Star Trek television series to pass from the post-Original Series era.
Members of the franchise, along with many others, shared their thoughts on social media:
I love and respect Rene more than I can say right now. This beautiful soul. My heart. Oh pic.twitter.com/ohNOq0c0Si
— Nana Visitor (@NanaVisitor) December 8, 2019
It is with great heartache and loss I share with you the passing of dear,dear Rene Auberjonois.His last message to me was entitled "Don't forget…" I know that I,Kitty,and all that knew him will never forget.The world seems noticeably emptier now. I loved him.
— Armin Shimerman (@ShimermanArmin) December 8, 2019
I cannot express how much you meant to me. I will truly miss you my dear colleague, mentor, father figure, friend. pic.twitter.com/zE9TeyOzf5
— Terry Farrell (@4TerryFarrell) December 9, 2019
Liz and I just had dinner at René and Judith’s home a few weeks ago…a heartbreaking and unspoken goodbye. He was truly a Renaissance man. One of the few I ever met. Always a joy to be with. A dear friend. I will miss him.
— Rick Berman (@berman_rick) December 9, 2019
— Ira Steven Behr (@IraStevenBehr) December 8, 2019
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 I send you my love & strength. I will keep you in my thoughts and remember a wonderful friendship with René.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 8, 2019
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. When I look out to the stars, I shall think of you, friend. https://t.co/IE2gtivRcg
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 8, 2019
@reneauberjonois You were a spectacular artist from Altman film IMAGES to Star Trek:DS9 and the million performances in between. A devoted family man, a visual artist, and loving and loves le human being. Thanks for showing the world how to do it. #love #admiration
— Gates McFadden (@gates_mcfadden) December 8, 2019
Rene Auberjonois 1940~2019.
A beloved member of our Star Trek family, among so many other decorated achievements on stage and screen. But above all, one of the sweetest humans I have ever met.
May he rest in God’s peace.#ReneAuberjonois #RIP pic.twitter.com/mK0aua9beV— Doug Jones (@actordougjones) December 8, 2019
I am so sorry to hear that the wonderful René Auberjonois has passed away. I had the great honor to play his daughter on Boston Legal. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and his many fans. May he rest in peace. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eRxwfmmkcy
— Jayne Brook (@thejaynebrook) December 8, 2019
Rene Auberjonois was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. It was an honor to write for him. A class act in every possible way. I'm heartbroken. "And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." #DS9 https://t.co/oDkfleXIM3
— Robert Hewitt Wolfe (@writergeekrhw) December 8, 2019
It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of another one of our #DS9 family. @reneauberjonois will be remembered for his depth of performance and many contributions to our entertainment community. We are sending all of our love & thanks to his family & friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/865LQbbWsZ
— The DS9 Documentary (@DS9Doc) December 8, 2019
RIP Rene Auberjonois, a man who loomed large in the TV & film landscape of my youth. I eventually got to meet him and felt so privileged to have done so. My thoughts are with his wonderful family.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) December 8, 2019
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