The Tragic Death of TV's Beloved 'Star Trek' and 'Benson' Actor René Auberjonois: Five Years Later

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It's been five years since the tragic death of acclaimed actor René Auberjonois at 79 from metastatic lung cancer in 2009.

A Closer Look

René Auberjonois was known for several heralded television performances on shows such as Benson, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Boston Legal.

However, Auberjonois also acted in theater and film, notably as the original Army chaplain Father John Mulcahy in Robert Altman’s 1970 M*A*S*H. That landmark film gave springboard to the popular TV series, for which Auberjonois decided to not reprise Mulcahy (William Christopher played the part instead).

A few years later, Auberjonois also rejected the opportunity to play Bosley on TV's Charlie's Angels (after which David Doyle was cast in the role).

Trek and Benson

However, it was René Auberjoinis' role as Odo on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that most likely brought him his largest following.

In Star Trek lore, Odo is a member of the shape-shifting alien race known as Changelings. On Deep Space Nine, he's appointed the Head of Security for that show's space station. Bright and observant, Odo utilizes his special powers to keep the peace on the station and also helps the Bajoran alien race and the Federation throughout what is known as the Dominion War against his own people, the Founders.

On Benson, which starred Robert Guillaume, Auberjonois played Clayton Endicott III, his second most recognizable role; the chief of staff to a fictional Washington D.C. governor (played by James Noble).

Royal Back Story

Rene Auberjonois' mother was Princess Laure Louise Napoléone Eugénie Caroline Murat and on her side of the family, René was the great-great-great-grandson of Joachim [Napoléon] Murat, King of Naples and King of Sicily, formerly Grand-Duke of Berg and Kleve, and of his wife (Marie Annonciade) Caroline Bonaparte, sister of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte of France.

Rene was also the grandson of well-known Swiss post-impressionist painter René Auberjonois (1872-1957).

Early in his career, the actor Rene attempted to change his surname to "Aubert" because casting directors were unable to pronounce "Auberjonois" (which is pronounced roughly as "oh-bear-zhon-wah").

Upon discovery that his new name caused just as much confusion, he opted to retain his original moniker.

Parting Thoughts

René Auberjonois made his mark in the history of entertainment, and his performances will be forever cherished, particularly among Star Trek fans.