Michael Ansara was an American actor who is best known for his roles as Cochise in Broken Arrow, Kang in Star Trek, and as the voice of Mr. Freeze in Batman: The Animated Series.
Personal and Family Life
Michael Ansara was born on April 15, 1922, in Syria and moved to the United States with his parents when he was two years old. He was initially interested in becoming a doctor but switched his focus to acting and trained at Los Angeles City College and the Pasadena Playhouse. Throughout his life, Ansara married three times, first to Jean Byron, then to Barbara Eden, and finally to Beverly Kushida, with whom he remained until his passing.
Career Highlights
Michael Ansara had a diverse career in film and television, often portraying strong, menacing characters. He rose to fame with his role as Cochise in the popular series Broken Arrow. His work in the Star Trek franchise as the Klingon commander Kang further solidified his status, appearing in multiple series including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager. His unique deep voice made him a recognizable figure, particularly in animated series.
Death and Legacy
Michael Ansara passed away on July 31, 2013, at the age of 91 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease in Calabasas, California. He left behind a rich legacy in the entertainment industry, remembered for his versatile performances and contributions to various genres, particularly in Westerns and science fiction.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea | 1961-07-12 | Dr. Miguel Alvares |
| The Greatest Story Ever Told | 1965-04-09 | Herod’s commander |
| Broken Arrow | 1956-09-25 | Cochise |
| Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | 1993-01-03 | Kang |
| Batman: The Animated Series | 1992-09-05 | Mr. Freeze (voice) |
| Buck Rogers in the 25th Century | 1979-09-20 | Kane |
| I Dream of Jeannie | 1965-09-18 | Blue Djinn |