In Remembrance: Andreas Katsulas

     Andreas Katsulas, the character actor who menaced Harrison Ford in the 1993 big screen version of The Fugitive (1993), has passed away on February 13, 2006 in Los Angeles, CA. He was 59.

     Born on May 18, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, Katsulas majored in theater at St. Louis University and earned a Master’s degree in theater from Indiana University at Bloomington. He appeared on stage in St. Louis, Boston and New York before landing his first film role in the 1979 French film Serie Noir.

     Katsulas’ chiseled features, scowl and Mediterranean complexion contributed to his being cast in numerous villainous roles in such films as Someone To Watch Over Me (1987), Executive Decision (1996) and The Fugitive. He also displayed an affinity for comic roles in Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993) and Jane Austen’s Mafia! (1998). Katsulas also appeared in such films as The Sicilian (1987), Sunset (1988), Next Of Kin and Communion (both 1989).

     On television, Katsulas’ most recognized role ironically saw him covered in latex prosthetic makeup. As the alien ambassador on the science-fiction series Babylon 5, Katsulas character grew over the course of the series’ five-year run from a Machiavellian warrior to a reluctant spiritual leader. He also had a recurring role on Star Trek: The Next Generation and appeared on such series as Max Headroom, The Equalizer, Alien Nation, Murder, She Wrote and NYPD Blue.