RIP Stephen Furst

[Jan]

So far there's no firm authentication but it looks like Stephen may have passed away yesterday from complications of Diabetes.

Will post more as I find out for sure.


Confirmed on his FB Page:

Stephen Furst

Actor and comedian Stephen Furst died on June 16, 2017 due to complications from diabetes.
Steve has a long list of earthly accomplishments. He was known to the world as an brilliant and prolific actor and filmmaker, but to his family and many dear friends he was also a beloved husband, father and kind friend whose memory will always be a blessing.
To truly honor him, do not cry for the loss of Stephen Furst. But rather, enjoy memories of all the times he made you snicker, laugh, or even snort to your own embarrassment. He intensely believed that laugher is the best therapy, and he would want us to practice that now.
If you knew him personally, remember his gift for lighting up a room. And no matter who you are, when you think of Steve, instead of being sad, celebrate his life by watching one of his movies or use one of his bits to make someone else laugh - really, really hard.
Sincerely,
His sons Nathan and Griffith Furst

[Apsu]

This is so sad...

[Truth66]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! Not another one!

You'll be missed Stephen. Thank you for the memories.

[sense8ional]

I love Vir. RIP! He was 62.

[Looney]

Unbelievable.

[alpha128]

I was just reading the news and saw this story:

Stephen Furst, 'Animal House' and 'St. Elsewhere' Actor, Dies at 63

RIP Vir.

[Melanie]

I wish the universe had listened to Joe last summer

To truly honor him, do not cry for the loss of Stephen Furst. But rather, enjoy memories of all the times he made you snicker, laugh, or even snort to your own embarrassment.

I guess that means I'm watching the Centauri opera in Knives as well as Sic Transit Vir today.

[Jonas]

Sic Transit Vir.

He was a really fine actor, not just a comedian. He also did a fantastic job directing two excellent and challenging episodes.

Tragic.

[Shan'waia]

So sad. He was so adorable and wonderful.

[Babel-17]

I was happy I found a new B5 Facebook group, and then ...

I read about this over there.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/B5FAQ/

Boy oh boy, we have to appreciate life. I'll always remember the style he brought to his roles.

[Jan]

My favorite Stephen Furst memory:

About a year after Rick Biggs' death, there was a one-day memorial/fundraising con that I helped out at. Far from being depressing, it was a really wonderful day.

The way part of the fundraising worked is that the fans would buy tickets and then 'spend' them at actor's tables for autographs. There were two actors per table and one of us volunteers would collect the tickets. The table I helped at had Jerry Doyle and Stephen Furst.

There was a developmentally challenged lady in a wheelchair in the line and she was *so* excited to be there and meeting so many of the people whose characters she loved. She obviously worshiped every one of them. When she got to Stephen (who was at the far end of the table from me) she wanted the whole experience of 'paying' him personally so I went over to that end and helped him take the right number of tickets and he let her talk about her love for Vir and then came around the table to let me take a picture of the two of them. You just knew that she'd remember that day forever.

It was just a brief few minutes in a very busy day but the way he treated her was indicative to me what his true character was.

[Melanie]

My favorite Stephen Furst memory:

About a year after Rick Biggs' death, there was a one-day memorial/fundraising con that I helped out at. Far from being depressing, it was a really wonderful day.

The way part of the fundraising worked is that the fans would buy tickets and then 'spend' them at actor's tables for autographs. There were two actors per table and one of us volunteers would collect the tickets. The table I helped at had Jerry Doyle and Stephen Furst.

There was a developmentally challenged lady in a wheelchair in the line and she was *so* excited to be there and meeting so many of the people whose characters she loved. She obviously worshiped every one of them. When she got to Stephen (who was at the far end of the table from me) she wanted the whole experience of 'paying' him personally so I went over to that end and helped him take the right number of tickets and he let her talk about her love for Vir and then came around the table to let me take a picture of the two of them. You just knew that she'd remember that day forever.

It was just a brief few minutes in a very busy day but the way he treated her was indicative to me what his true character was.

I never got to meet him, but I heard that he loved meeting fans. Just from watching videos of conventions and listening to interviews I can picture this.

[Satai with Punsch]

This is very sad news indeed. For some reason I had imagined Stephen to be one of the cast who would be around for a long time. Perhaps 'cos he always seemed so alive and enthusiastic. I have never met him but listening to him over the years at the B5 podcast made me like him a lot.

[Delenn_of_Mir]

It feels like everyone dies so young, anymore. Especially if they worked on B5. ;( ;( ;(

[JoeD80]

I just happened to be watching "Meditations on the Abyss" on the same day he died where Vir confronts the Drazi merchant in a great scene where Vir stands his ground. He was so fun when he goes to Londo's quarters to grab the sword.

In the same episode the ranger training is stated "Death is not the enemy. Death simply is."

He brought a lot of greatness and laughter to the world; at some point we move beyond the rim. Death simply is.