Babylon 5's Richard Biggs Passes Away
Source Sci Fi Pulse
25 May 2004
Many fans of Babylon 5 and actor Richard Biggs were saddened this weekend when producer JMS announced that the actor best known for his portrayal of Dr Franklin had died suddenly at the young age of 43.
Information about the exact cause of death has not been determined, but the assumption is that due to Biggs young age and the fact that he collapsed without any prior symptoms would indicate that he suffered a fatal stroke or an aneurysm.
When breaking the news to the B5 online community J Michael Straczynski said, "This is a terrible loss for all of us. Richard was a consummate professional but more than that he was an honourable, stand-up guy. If he gave you his word on something, you never had to wonder about it afterward. He was always helpful and supportive of all the cast, even those who only came in for one episode, always with a ready smile and determined to do whatever it took to make the scene work. He was, quite simply, a terrific guy, and everyone here is just devastated at the news.
Richard Biggs who was loved immensely by fans of genre television and actors alike will be sorely missed. Biggs final Sci Fi Convention appearance was at the SF Ball which is an annual event that is held every year in Bournemouth. Mark Withall who attended this years event has the following to relate about the few experiences he had when meeting and conversing with the actor.
"I was fortunate enough to meet him at these years SF Ball when he was in top form. I chatted with him briefly at the cocktail party and again on another occasion at the hotel bar. He was so full of life. He was paired up on stage with Jason Carter; they made a great double act bouncing remarks off each other. He didn't mind losing an item of clothing on stage, every time he asked the audience when taking part in Who Wants To Be A Starship Captain? The front page of the SF Ball website has been appropriately amended to reflect this sad news. I note he leaves behind a wife, Lori, and two children."
In closing Sci Fi Pulse
would like to pass on its condolences to the family of Richard Biggs. Thanks
go out to Mark for providing his memories of meeting the actor.