Facing Mortality
As the years of my life pass, I have become more and more aware of mortality. Not necessarily for myself, as I would hope at almost 56 years of age, I will be around a while. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for my childhood and teenage favorites.
This should not be a surprise as most of these performers were in their early 30’s or so when I was watching them back in the day. That does not lesson the impact when they suddenly pass away. Somehow, you feel like they will live forever, which as we know, that doesn’t happen.
René Auberjonois
This was brought into sharp focus with the death of René Auberjonois. It is no secret that I am a huge Star Trek fan. This started with the Original Series and then Star Trek TNG and Deep Space Nine. It was in Deep Space Nine where I noticed Mr. Auberjonois. He played the shapeshifting station security chief Odo. His character started very brusk and straight forward. But as the years went by, his character changed. He was more loose, and relished sparring with Quark, the Ferengi Bar Owner. The constable even found love with the stations first officer Kira Nerys. As the seasons past, he became almost loveable.
However, as popular as the character of Odo became, the actor was just as popular with his fellow actors. This was reflected by their Twitter tributes upon his passing by both Original Cast and his fellow DS9 cast mates:
Tributes
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
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 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
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
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
Finding Comfort
While I am saddened by his passing, it is somehow comforting that he and his family had such a close relationship with those he worked with. I myself had an opportunity to see him at February’s GalaxyCon in Richmond. Who knew that would prove to be the last time it would be possible? RIP René. You have apparently touched the lives of many…including yours truly.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.