Richard Biggs of B5 Has Taken His Final Bow

On Saturday, J. Michael Straczynski announced the sudden death of Richard Biggs, whose best-known role was Dr. Stephen Franklin on Babylon 5. Mr. Biggs was getting up and sank back down, never to rise again. He is survived by his wife and children, including a month-old son.

I know some of you think I am overreacting to the death of a celebrity by posting this. Well, apparently he wasn't a celebrity. I can't even find an obituary for him, outside of fannish sources and the websites of the actors. I am shamed by this, since he could claim Dayton as a hometown. But I'm not concerned by Mr. Biggs as a celebrity. I met him when he attended his first convention -- Marcon in Columbus -- and many Marcons after that. I saw him working hard at his profession, just like the rest of us do. More than that, I saw him glad to spend time with the fans as just another convention attendee, there to have a little fun and go to some bars and parties. I saw him play pranks on his fellow castmembers. Others remember seeing his obvious love for his wife and family.

We fans see many celebrities, but we do not usually get to see the person behind the persona. We felt differently about Richard Biggs. This is what I know: he was a gentleman I was glad to meet. I am sorry that I will never see him at another Marcon, but I have little doubt that he was as welcomed into his Father's house as he was into our hotel halls. I mean to keep him and his family in my prayers, and I hope you will, too.

Sympathy notes may be left for the family on this forum. Patricia Tallman (Lyta on B5) will be printing them out for the family and bringing them to the funeral services on Wednesday. She also gives a mailing address for cards.

Update: FilmForce has all the details on the memorial services and where to send memorial items, as well money for the fund set up for the Biggs kids.