This will be my last post on this subject, but I thought it might be of interest to show that Andreas faced his impending death due to lung cancer with dignity and class. Indeed, one could say that he faced it much the same way G’Kar would have, if he existed. A couple of days ago, J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, posted this message to his mailing list:
Just over a year ago, Andreas Katsulas–who loved smoking with a passion that cannot be described–was diagnosed with lung cancer, which by then had already spread to other areas. He quit smoking at once and went on a healthy diet and vitamin program, but there was little hope of a good resolution even though the new regimen was very good for him. When we spoke about it, he laughed, and said, “Now that I’m dying I’ve never felt better!”
His spirits were always up and positive, putting everyone at ease about his condition, because…well, that’s the kind of person he was.
A couple of months ago, he and his wife convened a dinner with me, Doug, and Peter Jurasik, which was filled with laughter and stories and good food. He wanted to know all the stories we never told him because, as he said, “Who am I going to tell?” So we did. Because we knew we were saying goodbye, and there would not be a second chance.
Last night, in the company of his wife and family, Andreas closed his eyes and went away.
He lived an amazing life…full of travel and wonder and good work…was part of the world renowned Peter Brook company…he saw the planet, loved and was loved, ate at great restaurants, smoked too many cigarettes…he lived a life some people would die for.
And, sadly, due to the last part of that equation…he did.
Memorial arrangements are still being worked out, but will doubtless be private.
Andreas is gone…and G’Kar with him, because no one else can ever play that role, or ever will.
I will miss him terribly.
J. Michael Straczynski
Smoking claims another great one, sadly.
