#948: “Andreas Katsulas, RIP”

[04:02] *** Wed Feb 22 2006 - LOGGING START ***
[04:02] *** Now talking in #suburbansenshi
[04:02] *** Topic is - We will miss you -
[04:02] *** Set by on Wed Feb 22 04:02 2006
[04:03] <@Dr_Xadium> Taking some time to make an update delayed by the little mini-arc.
[04:05] <@Dr_Xadium> On or about February 13th, 2006, Babylon 5 fans suffered a great loss.
[04:06] <@Dr_Xadium> I don't have words nearly eloquent enough for this at this early hour, so I shall plagiarize JMS, who does:





Just over a year ago, Andreas Katsulas -- who loved smoking with a passion that cannot be described -- was diagnosed with lung cancer, which by then had already spread to other areas. He quit smoking at once and went on a healthy diet and vitamin program, but there was little hope of a good resolution even though the new regimen was very good for him. When we spoke about it, he laughed, and said, "Now that I'm dying I've never felt better!"

His spirits were always up and positive, putting everyone at ease about his condition, because...well, that's the kind of person he was.

A couple of months ago, he and his wife convened a dinner with me, Doug, and Peter Jurasik, which was filled with laughter and stories and good food. He wanted to know all the stories we never told him because, as he said, "Who am I going to tell?" So we did. Because we knew we were saying goodbye, and there would not be a second chance.

Last night, in the company of his wife and family, Andreas closed his eyes and went away.

He lived an amazing life...full of travel and wonder and good work...was part of the world renowned Peter Brook company...he saw the planet, loved and was loved, ate at great restaurants, smoked too many cigarettes...he lived a life some people would die for.

And, sadly, due to the last part of that equation...he did.

Memorial arrangements are still being worked out, but will doubtless be private.

Andreas is gone...and G'Kar with him, because no one else can ever play that role, or ever will.

I will miss him terribly.

J. Michael Straczynski


[04:10] <@Dr_Xadium> Mr. Katsulas, you made us laugh, you made us cry. Your textured and complex portrayal of G'kar turned what coudl have easily been the most cardboard, stereotypical villain into one of the most beloeved Shakespearian figures ever seen in the history of modern Science Fiction Television. You will be missed. You went before your time.
[04:11] <@Dr_Xadium> Mr. Katsulas requested that any memorials be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
[04:12] *** Disconnected
[04:12] *** Wed Feb 22 2006 - LOGGING END ***