Michael Ansara Dead: 'Star Trek' Klingon Commander Klang Actor Dies at Age of 91 of Longtime Illness

Michael Ansara, best known for his role as the Klingon commander Kang in the "Star Trek" TV show, died on Wednesday at the age of 91. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ansara died in his home in Calabasa, California after battling a longtime illness. Reportedly his former publicist confirmed the news on Friday, August 2.

Ansara was in a number of movies outside of his role as Kang in "Star Trek." Ansara was also in the movies "Julius Ceasar," "Harum Scarum" alongside Elvis Presley, "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Ansara also appeared in the TV shows "I Dream of Jeannie," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," and "The Outer Limits." Ansara last played Kang on "Star Trek" in 1996.

Ansara was born in Syria, but came over to the U.S. at the age of two with his parents. He was married to Barbara Eden from 1958 to 1974. They had one son together, Matthew Michael Ansara, who tragically died at the age of 35 of an accidental heroin overdose. According to his Wikipedia page, Ansara was also previously married to Jean Byron.

Ansara earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for both movies and TV. According to his Wikipedia page, Ansara also won a Western Heritage Award for his role in "Rawhide." In addition, he was nominated for an Academy of Science Fiction Award.

Ansara is survived by his wife Beverly, sister Rose, nephew Michael John and niece Michelle. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ansara's family and friends.

Below is a YouTube video featuring a clip of Michael Ansara in the old TV show "Broken Arrow."

Photo Credit: YouTube