Michael Ansara, "Star Trek"'s Kang, dies at 91

Actor Michael Ansara is seen portraying the "Star Trek" character Kang in the episode "Day of the Dove," which was first broadcast Nov. 1, 1968. / CBS

Michael Ansara, a television and movie actor whose roles included the Klingon Kang on "Star Trek," has died.
A longtime friend and spokesman for Ansara told The Associated Press the actor died Wednesday at his home in Calabasas, Calif., after a long illness. He was 91.

Actor Michael Ansara is seen on location for the TV series "Law of the Plainsman" in 1960.

/ AP Photo

Besides the "Star Trek" role, Ansara appeared on dozens of TV shows, including "Broken Arrow," "Law of the Plainsman," "I Dream of Jeannie," "Hawaii Five-0" and "Murder, She Wrote."
But, as CBS' StarTrek.com notes, "Star Trek" fans "embraced" Ansara's portrayal of Kang the Klingon commander. He reprised his role in two of the series' spinoff shows, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" in 1994 and "Star Trek: Voyager" in 1996, according to the site.
Ansara's film credits include "Julius Caesar," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "The Comancheros" with John Wayne.
Ansara was predeceased by his son, Matthew, with former wife Barbara Eden. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Beverly, a sister and a niece and nephew.


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