| Real Name: | Michael George Ansara |
| Birthday: | April 15, 1922 – July 31, 2013 |
| Net Worth: | N/A |
| Height: | 190 cm |
| Occupation: | Syrian-American Actor |
Michael Ansara was an American actor known for his diverse body of work, which spanned stage, film, and television. Born on April 15, 1922, in Syria, Ansara eventually became a prominent figure in American entertainment, showcasing his acting prowess in a variety of roles.
Ansara’s most notable roles include playing Cochise in the TV series “Broken Arrow” and the Klingon Kang in three different “Star Trek” series. Throughout his career, he earned awards, acclaim and a loyal fanbase. With a career that spanned seven decades, Ansara showcased his versatility and talent until his death on July 31, 2013, at the age of 91.
Despite facing challenges in his personal life, most notably the complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Michael Ansara remained an inspiration to many aspiring actors. His lasting impact on the world of entertainment is a testament to his dedication to his craft and lasting legacy.
Story Stages
Early Life and Background
Birth in Syria
Michael Ansara was born in a small village in the French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon on April 15, 1922. Coming from a Syrian descent, he was a part of a Greek Orthodox Christian family.
Move to the United States
When Michael Ansara was just two years old, his family immigrated to the United States. They initially settled in Lowell, Massachusetts, where they lived for a decade. Subsequently, the Ansara family relocated to California. As a young man, Ansara had aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, his plans changed after entering Los Angeles City College. It was there that he discovered a passion for acting, leading him to pursue a career in the entertainment world.
Michael Ansara’s journey from his birth in Syria to becoming a talented actor in the United States is a testimony to his determination and adaptability. His background and experiences shaped him into the versatile performer that he became throughout his career.
Acting Career
Early Roles
Michael Ansara began his acting career in the early 1950s with roles on both television and film. Some of his early appearances include roles in classic films such as The Ten Commandments (1956) and Jupiter’s Darling (1955). He also made appearances on popular TV shows such as Perry Mason and The Untouchables.
Breakout as Cochise
Ansara’s breakout role came in 1956 when he portrayed the Apache-chief Cochise in the television series Broken Arrow. This role helped establish him as a versatile actor and provided opportunities for broader range of roles in his career.
Diverse Television Appearances
Over his acting career, Ansara appeared in a variety of popular television series, including Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Hawaii Five-0, and Murder, She Wrote. His talent for adapting to different roles made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood. Some of his most notable appearances are as Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart in the series Law of the Plainsman and as the Klingon commander Kang in Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager.
Memorable Film Roles
Ansara’s film career spanned several decades, with roles in movies such as The Robe (1953), The Comancheros (1961), Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969), and The Bears and I (1974). He also appeared in films like Harum Scarum (1965) and Texas Across The River (1966) showcasing his ability to work in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Voice Acting in Animation
In addition to his live-action work, Ansara lent his voice to animated projects. His most notable voice acting role was as Mr. Freeze in Batman: The Animated Series and its various spin-offs. He continued to voice the character in the animated movie Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero and the video game Batman Vengeance.
Throughout his career, Michael Ansara left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his diverse roles. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his memorable contributions to the entertainment industry.
Notable TV Series and Characters
Star Trek Franchise
Michael Ansara was known for his portrayal of the Klingon Commander Kang in the Star Trek franchise. He appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager. His appearances in these series spanned over two decades, showcasing his character in episodes such as “Blood Oath” and “Flashback.”
Western and Native American Roles
Ansara’s career also flourished in Western and Native American roles. After studying at the Pasadena Playhouse, he went on to be cast in shows including Wagon Train, The Rifleman, Hawaii 5-0, and Centennial. His Western roles included his portrayal of Cochise in the television series Broken Arrow (1956-1958) and Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart in the NBC series Law of the Plainsman.
Crime and Mystery Shows
Michael Ansara appeared in several crime and mystery television series, such as The Untouchables, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The Patty Duke Show. In addition, he took on the role of various characters in the long-running series Murder, She Wrote. However, one of his most recognizable voice acting contributions was to Batman: The Animated Series as the iconic villain Mr. Freeze.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Contributions
In the realm of science fiction and fantasy, Ansara had roles in series like Lost in Space, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Outer Limits, and The Time Tunnel. Perhaps most notably, he portrayed the evil adversary Kane in the series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979-1981). In more light-hearted appearances, he guest-starred as the character on I Dream of Jeannie, produced by Aaron Spelling.
Personal Life
Marriage to Barbara Eden
Michael Ansara married actress Barbara Eden on January 17, 1958. She is best known for her role as the genie in the TV show I Dream of Jeannie. The couple lived together in California and remained married until their divorce on May 25, 1974.
Family and Descendants
Ansara was born on April 15, 1922, in the Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon, and his family immigrated to the United States when he was two years old. They were of Syrian descent and settled in Lowell, Massachusetts, in the New England region. His family lived there for a decade before relocating to California where Ansara pursued his acting career.
Michael Ansara and Barbara Eden had a son, Matthew Ansara, who tragically passed away in 2001. Michael’s first marriage was to actress Jean Byron in 1949, but they divorced in 1956. After his divorce from Barbara Eden, Ansara married Beverly Kushida on June 4, 1977, and remained with her until his passing on July 31, 2013.
Legacy and Awards
Cultural Impact
Michael Ansara significantly influenced both American television and film industries, notably through his portrayals of Native American characters and the iconic Klingon warrior, Kang, in the Star Trek franchise. His rich acting background marked a significant moment when diverse roles and characters were gaining significance in Hollywood.
In particular, Ansara’s memorable performance as Cochise in the television series Broken Arrow was a turning point for the representation of Native American characters on-screen. The importance of this portrayal cannot be overstated, as it demonstrated the potential for complex and multifaceted characters from diverse backgrounds.
Recognitions and Honors
Throughout his career, Michael Ansara earned a number of awards and recognitions, underscoring his impact on the film and television industry. A few notable honors include:
- Western Heritage Award: Ansara garnered the prestigious Western Heritage Award for his outstanding acting in the television category.
- Saturn Award: He was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in The Manitou.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Michael Ansara’s footprint in Hollywood history was solidified with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6666 Hollywood Boulevard.
In summary, Michael Ansara left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, both for his diverse roles and his commitment to broadening the scope of representation in television and film. His various recognitions and honors serve as testaments to his exceptional talent and accomplishments.
Death and Memoriam
Loss of His Son
Michael Ansara faced a significant tragedy in his personal life with the loss of his son, Matthew Michael Ansara. Matthew, who was a promising actor and fitness enthusiast, died unexpectedly at the age of 35 due to an accidental heroin overdose.
Personal Health Struggles
In his later years, Michael Ansara struggled with his own health issues. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The battle with Alzheimer’s took a toll on him and his family, as he lived out his final years in Calabasas, California.
Final Resting Place
Michael Ansara passed away on July 31, 2013, at the age of 91. His body now rests at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, a cemetery known for housing the remains of many notable celebrities and influential figures. Despite his struggles, Ansara’s legacy as a talented actor and his portrayals of memorable characters live on as a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft.
