‘Stargate’ Franchise Actors Who Have Passed Away

The ‘Stargate’ universe has captivated audiences since the original feature film debuted in 1994 followed by several successful television series. Over the decades many talented performers have contributed to the legacy of this expansive science fiction franchise. While the characters they portrayed continue to live on through repeat viewings and fan communities the actors themselves have left a lasting mark on the industry. This list honors the memory of those who have passed away and looks back at their significant contributions to the gate-traveling saga.

Viveca Lindfors

Viveca Lindfors portrayed the elderly Catherine Langford in the original 1994 ‘Stargate’ film. She brought significant emotional weight to the character whose father first discovered the ancient Egyptian portal. Lindfors had a distinguished career in theater and film that spanned over fifty years before her work in this science fiction classic. She passed away on October 25 1995 at the age of 74 in her native Sweden. Her death resulted from complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

John P. Ryan

John P. Ryan played General West in the 1994 ‘Stargate’ movie where he oversaw the military operation at the Cheyenne Mountain complex. His character was the superior officer who authorized the first mission through the gate to Abydos. Ryan was well known for his intense performances in gritty action films and dramas during the 1970s and 1980s. He passed away on March 20 2007 at the age of 70 following a stroke. He is remembered for bringing a stern authority to the early days of the franchise.

Don S. Davis

Don S. Davis was a cornerstone of the franchise appearing as Major General George Hammond for seven seasons of ‘Stargate SG-1’ and in guest roles thereafter. He portrayed the commander of Stargate Command as a fair and protective leader who became a father figure to the core team. Davis was a real life United States Army captain and a theater professor before pursuing acting full time. He passed away on June 29 2008 at the age of 65 due to a massive heart attack. His character was eventually honored within the show with a ship named after him.

Isaac Hayes

Isaac Hayes guest starred as the Jaffa leader Tolok in the eighth season of ‘Stargate SG-1’ where he played a pivotal role in the rebellion. His commanding presence helped solidify the alliance between Earth and the Free Jaffa during the battle against the Goa’uld. Hayes was an iconic musician and voice actor known globally for his deep and resonant voice. He passed away on August 10 2008 at the age of 65 after suffering a stroke at his home. Fans of the series remember him for the gravitas he brought to the resistance movement.

Dom DeLuise

Dom DeLuise appeared in the ‘Stargate SG-1’ episode titled Urgo where he played a double role as a mischievous alien implant and its creator. He brought a unique brand of comedy to the series through his eccentric and lovable performance alongside the regular cast. DeLuise was a legendary comedian and character actor with a career spanning several decades in Hollywood. He passed away on May 4 2009 at the age of 75 in a Los Angeles hospital. His death was attributed to kidney failure following a long battle with cancer.

Maury Chaykin

Maury Chaykin portrayed the gluttonous Goa’uld scientist Nerus in several episodes of ‘Stargate SG-1’ during its ninth season. His character was known for his insatiable appetite and his deceptive allegiance between the Tau’ri and the System Lord Ba’al. Chaykin was a highly respected character actor in both Canadian and American cinema. He passed away on July 27 2010 which was his 61st birthday. His death was caused by complications from a heart valve infection that he had been battling.

Cory Monteith

Cory Monteith had one of his earliest acting roles in the ‘Stargate Atlantis’ episode titled Storm where he played a young Genii soldier. He later gained international fame as a lead actor on the popular musical comedy series Glee. Before his breakout success he made guest appearances in several Vancouver based science fiction productions. Monteith passed away on July 13 2013 at the age of 31 in a Vancouver hotel room. His tragic death was caused by a toxic combination of heroin and alcohol.

August Schellenberg

August Schellenberg appeared in the ‘Stargate SG-1’ episode Spirits as Yaozu a leader of the Coast Salish people on an alien world. He portrayed a wise and steadfast figure who protected his people from the exploitation of Earth’s military. Schellenberg was a prolific actor of Mohawk and Swiss-German descent who was famous for his role in the Free Willy films. He passed away on August 15 2013 at the age of 77. He died at his home in Dallas following a long battle with lung cancer.

Frank Vincent

Frank Vincent made a guest appearance in the ‘Stargate Atlantis’ episode Vegas where he played a poker player in an alternate reality. He brought his signature tough guy persona to the noir-inspired episode which featured many guest stars from The Sopranos. Vincent was iconic for his roles in classic mob films like Goodfellas and Casino. He passed away on September 13 2017 at the age of 80. His death resulted from complications following heart surgery in New Jersey.

David Ogden Stiers

David Ogden Stiers played the villainous Replicator leader Oberoth in several episodes of ‘Stargate Atlantis’. He portrayed the arrogant and cold commander of the Asuran civilization who sought to destroy the city of Atlantis. Stiers was a versatile actor and voice performer best known for his role on MAS*H and in numerous Disney animated features. He passed away on March 3 2018 at the age of 75. He died peacefully at his home in Oregon after a battle with bladder cancer.

Paul Koslo

Paul Koslo appeared in the ‘Stargate SG-1’ episode titled The First Commandment as the Jaffa character Terar. He was a veteran character actor who often played antagonists and tough figures in action films throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His role in the early season of the show helped establish the stakes of planetary exploration. Koslo passed away on January 9 2019 at the age of 74. His death was caused by pancreatic cancer according to family statements.

Carmen Argenziano

Carmen Argenziano played the recurring role of Jacob Carter and the Tok’ra Selmak throughout seven seasons of ‘Stargate SG-1’. He portrayed the father of Samantha Carter and served as a vital bridge between Earth and the Tok’ra resistance. Argenziano appeared in over 100 different television series and films during his prolific career as a character actor. He passed away on February 10 2019 at the age of 75 in Los Angeles. While his death was reported as being from natural causes it was later noted that he had been battling lung cancer.

Kirby Morrow

Kirby Morrow appeared in several ‘Stargate’ projects including eight episodes of ‘Stargate Atlantis’ as Captain Dave Kleinman. He also provided the voice for various characters in ‘Stargate Infinity’ and guest starred in ‘Stargate SG-1’ as the Jaffa Tara’c. Morrow was an accomplished voice actor who was widely recognized for his work in anime and animation. He passed away on November 18 2020 at the age of 47 in Vancouver. His death was attributed to complications from long-term substance abuse which led to a seizure.

Cliff Simon

Cliff Simon portrayed the charismatic and cunning System Lord Ba’al in over fifteen episodes of ‘Stargate SG-1’ and the film ‘Stargate: Continuum’. He became one of the most beloved villains in the franchise due to his roguish charm and witty dialogue. Simon was a talented athlete and former competitive swimmer before he found success as an actor. He passed away on March 9 2021 at the age of 58. He died in a tragic kiteboarding accident at Topanga Beach in California.

Willie Garson

Willie Garson appeared in three iconic episodes of ‘Stargate SG-1’ as the eccentric and paranoid alien Martin Lloyd. His character was responsible for creating a fictional show within the show called Wormhole X-Treme which satirized the franchise itself. Garson was a beloved character actor famous for his roles in Sex and the City and White Collar. He passed away on September 21 2021 at the age of 57. His death was caused by pancreatic cancer which he had been fighting privately while continuing to work.

William Lucking

William Lucking guest starred in the ‘Stargate SG-1’ episode titled Bad Guys as the character Cecil who was a member of a group of thieves. He brought a rugged and veteran presence to the comedic episode that saw the team mistaken for bank robbers. Lucking was a seasoned actor known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and many classic television series. He passed away on October 18 2021 at the age of 80 in his home in Las Vegas. His wife confirmed that he died of natural causes after a long and prolific career.

Dean Stockwell

Dean Stockwell appeared in the ‘Stargate SG-1’ episode Shadow Play as Doctor Kiernan a scientist from the planet Langara. He portrayed a brilliant but troubled man who suffered from hallucinations caused by his research into naquadria. Stockwell was an Academy Award nominated actor with a legendary career that included starring roles in Quantum Leap and Battlestar Galactica. He passed away on November 7 2021 at the age of 85. He died of natural causes at his home surrounded by family.

Lawrence Dane

Lawrence Dane portrayed Major General Henry Bauer in the ‘Stargate SG-1’ episode titled Chain Reaction. His character briefly replaced General Hammond as the leader of the SGC and oversaw a controversial nuclear test on another planet. Dane was a staple of the Canadian film and television industry with a career lasting over sixty years. He passed away on April 16 2022 at the age of 84. He died at his home in Ontario after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Michael Kopsa

Michael Kopsa appeared in the ‘Stargate SG-1’ episode 524 as General Kerrigan who was a high ranking official at the Pentagon. He was a prolific Canadian actor and voice performer who appeared in many science fiction series filmed in Vancouver. Kopsa was also known for his extensive work in anime dubbing and video games. He passed away on October 23 2022 at the age of 66. His death was caused by complications from a brain tumor that he had been fighting for several years.

Julian Sands

Julian Sands played the Doci who served as the primary voice of the Ori in two episodes of ‘Stargate SG-1’ and the film ‘Stargate: The Ark of Truth’. He portrayed the fanatical religious leader with a haunting and intense presence that defined the Ori story arc. Sands was an English actor celebrated for his roles in films like A Room with a View and Warlock. He passed away in January 2023 at the age of 65. He was reported missing while hiking on Mount Baldy in California and his remains were discovered several months later.

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr. joined the cast of ‘Stargate SG-1’ in its ninth season as the Jaffa leader Gerak who became the First Prime of the Free Jaffa Nation. He portrayed a complex political figure who eventually sacrificed himself to save his people from the Ori plague. Gossett was an Academy Award winning actor known for his legendary performance in An Officer and a Gentleman. He passed away on March 29 2024 at the age of 87 in Santa Monica. His death was attributed to natural causes following long term struggles with lung disease and heart failure.

Obi Ndefo

Obi Ndefo portrayed the recurring Jaffa character Rak’nor in six episodes of ‘Stargate SG-1’ between 2000 and 2005. His character evolved from a loyal servant of the Goa’uld to a dedicated member of the Jaffa resistance alongside Teal’c. Ndefo was also a yoga teacher and a writer who remained active in the arts despite losing both legs in a tragic accident in 2019. He passed away on August 28 2024 at the age of 51. His sister confirmed that his death was caused by complications from a long term eating disorder.

Tony Todd

Tony Todd appeared in three episodes of ‘Stargate SG-1’ as the Sodan Jaffa leader Lord Haikon during the ninth season. He brought a commanding and spiritual presence to the secretive colony of Jaffa who had long ago turned their backs on the Goa’uld. Todd was a horror icon best known for his titular role in the Candyman film franchise and for his prolific voice work. He passed away on November 6 2024 at the age of 69 in his home in California. His death was caused by stomach cancer according to reports from his representatives.

Please share your favorite memories of these talented actors and their roles in the comments.