Andreas Katsulas

Not many people would recognize the name Andreas Katsulas. For that matter, not many would recognize the face. But the voice--that you'd remember. It was deep, resonant and expressive.

Katsulas died of lung cancer yesterday, a few months short of his 60th birthday. A busy character actor, he tended to play thugs and tough guys. His best known movie role was the One-Armed Man in The Fugitive. But the part he'll be remembered for is G'Kar in Babylon 5.

Babylon 5 was a science fiction serial plotted, from the beginning, to last 5 years. The title refers to a huge space ship where intelligent species from across the galaxy (including humans) gathered.

Throughout the entire series, Katsulas played G'Kar, the Narn ambassador. He went through many changes--from powerful, to weak, to imprisoned, to messianic. His relationship with hated Centauri ambassador Londo Mollari is arguably the highlight of the show.

G'Kar was at times comic, at times tragic. But he was always, always, covered in heavy makeup and costuming. That's what made Katsulas's performance all the more amazing. He was able to convey a full range of emotions, and do it all with only his voice and eyes. It was a performance few actors could match.