RIP Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

[Jan]

Sad news about one of B5's most memorable guest actors,

Message from Stephanie -

We are heartbroken to announce the passing into peace of our beloved father, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., today at his Solvang, Calif. ranch. He was 95 years old. A devout Christian, he actively enjoyed his life to the last day, showering love on his extended family, playing golf, and visiting with close friends. We will miss him dearly.

My first memory of his work was in 'The FBI' when I was about 10 years old but I'll never forget his wonderful voice explaining horrible things so calmly and rationally on Babylon 5 as William Edgars.

Jan

[Jonas]

He was perfectly cast, and brought something really special to the part. I like how he portrayed Edgars as a horribly misguided man who did monstrous things instead of just a monster. I mean, that was obviously in the scripts, but he brought it to life with a kindness and sadness that made the part really powerful.

[Babel-17]

I agree, he was great in that role. RIP

There was some good nuance to his character. He was playing a very deep game and he was thinking on multiple levels but yet that wasn't enough for his side to prevail.

It says something about dealing with Shadows, and those in league with them.

[glindros]

Agreed, He was more than just a fit for the role, his acting skill made the role more than just the words jms wrote.

[Sinclair's Fan]

...Alfred...

[DaveNarn]

A class act indeed.
Like DeForrest Kelly who proceeded him , a true gentleman.

[Ubik]

The Edgars plot was great, and really added depth to the telepath story arc as a whole. Efrem played the role well. RIP, and so another travels beyond the rim.

[Dan Dassow]

Sad news about one of B5's most memorable guest actors,

Message from Stephanie -

My first memory of his work was in 'The FBI' when I was about 10 years old but I'll never forget his wonderful voice explaining horrible things so calmly and rationally on Babylon 5 as William Edgars.

Jan

My first memory of Mr. Zimbalist was in "77 Sunset Strip". However, I primarily remember him from "The FBI" and as William Edgars.

Ironically, I recently saw two films on TCM that relate to Mr. Zimbalist. He played the husband of Susy Hendrix (Audrey Hepburn) in Wait Until Dark. I also saw The FBI Story, starring Jimmy Stewart. The FBI is a spin-off of the FBI Story.

[Babel-17]

I wasn't looking for this exactly but I was happy to find it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpQ0H-26DW0

It has me anticipating a good B5 marathon once it's back on TV.