Alan John Scarfe, a renowned British-Canadian actor, died of colon cancer at his home in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, at the age of 77, his family announced. Known for his powerful performances in theater and film, Scarfe had a career that spanned over half a century.
Born in Harpenden, England on June 8, 1946, Scarfe moved to Vancouver, Canada, with his family when he was young. His parents, Gladys and Neville, both university professors, nurtured his love for the arts. After finishing his education at Lord Byng Secondary School in Vancouver, Scarfe pursued his acting passion at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art from 1964 to 1966.
Scarfe started his career in theater, performing in classic plays across Europe and North America. He spent eight seasons at the Stratford Festival and two at the Shaw Festival in Ontario, aiming to become a classical actor in the vein of Burbage and Olivier.
His transition to film and television in the early 1990s brought him recognition for his villainous roles in “Double Impact” (1991) and “Lethal Weapon III” (1992). In “Double Impact,” Scarfe played Nigel Griffith, who faced off against Jean-Claude Van Damme’s dual characters, and in “Lethal Weapon III,” he played the devious Internal Affairs chief Herman Walters. These roles demonstrated his ability to portray complex antagonistic characters.
Beyond his film roles, Scarfe made a significant impact on television. He portrayed Dr. Bradley Talmadge in the UPN sci-fi series “Seven Days,” which aired for three seasons from 1998 to 2001. His performances in iconic science fiction series, such as “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Voyager,” further solidified his legacy. In a 2007 interview, he explained, “These roles demand a certain magnitude and intensity. Mumbling isn’t an option when you’re playing a Klingon.”
Over his career, Scarfe received numerous awards, including a Vancouver Film Critics Circle lifetime achievement award, the 1985 Genie Award, a 2005 Jessie Award, and a 2006 Austin Fantastic Fest Jury Prize. Besides his acting career, Scarfe was a published author. His works, such as “The Revelation of Jack the Ripper” and “The Carnivore Trilogy,” which includes “The Vampires of Juarez,” “The Demons of 9/11,” and “The Mask of the Holy Spirit,” were written under the pseudonym Clanash Farjeon.
Scarfe was married to actress Barbara March, known for playing Lursa, one of the villainous Duras sisters, in three Star Trek series. They met at the Stratford Festival and were married from 1979 until her death from cancer in August 2019. Scarfe’s first wife was actress Sara Botsford.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan Scarfe, known for his roles in “ER” and “Van Helsing,” and his daughter, Tosia, a musician and composer. His son-in-law Austin, who cared for Scarfe until his death, his grandchildren, Kai and Hunter, and his brother, Colin, also survive him.
Reflecting on his career, Scarfe once stated, “I aspired to be a great classical actor in the tradition of Burbage, Garrick, Kean, Booth, and Olivier. When I started 45 years ago, having such romantic and idealistic ambitions was still possible.”
Alan John Scarfe’s legacy as a dedicated and versatile actor, capable of bringing depth and intensity to his roles on stage and screen, will continue to resonate with fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
