Noted British-Canadian actor, Alan John Scarfe, famed for his compelling performances in theater and film, has died at the age of 77. Scarfe passed away from colon cancer at his home in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, on April 28, 2024, as confirmed by his family.
With an illustrious career spanning over five decades, Scarfe’s repertoire showcased his classical training and exceptional talent. Born on June 8, 1946, in Harpenden, England, Scarfe relocated to Vancouver, Canada with his family at a young age. His parents, Gladys and Neville, both university professors, fostered his love for the arts.
Following his education at Lord Byng Secondary School in Vancouver, Scarfe pursued his acting aspirations at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art from 1964 to 1966. His early career was heavily steeped in theater. He acted in numerous classic plays across Europe and North America, including eight seasons at the Stratford Festival and two at the Shaw Festival in Ontario. His ambition was to become a renowned classical actor, akin to legendary figures like Burbage and Olivier.
In the early 1990s, Scarfe’s transition to film and television was notable by memorable performances. He earned acclaim for his villainous roles in “Double Impact” (1991) and “Lethal Weapon III” (1992). His performances as Nigel Griffith in “Double Impact,” where he clashed with Jean-Claude Van Damme’s dual characters, and as the deceitful Internal Affairs chief Herman Walters in “Lethal Weapon III,” demonstrated his skill at portraying complex antagonists.
Beyond his film roles, Scarfe left a significant imprint on television. His role as Dr. Bradley Talmadge in the UPN sci-fi series “Seven Days,” which aired for three seasons from 1998 to 2001, was particularly notable. 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, Scarfe’s aptitude for playing alien characters with a commanding presence was evident. He stated, “These roles demand a certain magnitude and intensity. Mumbling isn’t an option when you’re playing a Klingon.”
Over his career, Scarfe’s contributions to the arts were recognized with several awards. He was honored with the Vancouver Film Critics Circle lifetime achievement award, the 1985 Genie Award, a 2005 Jessie Award, and a 2006 Austin Fantastic Fest Jury Prize.
Scarfe also made his mark as an accomplished author. His published works include “The Revelation of Jack the Ripper” in 2017, and “The Carnivore Trilogy,” comprising “The Vampires of Juarez,” “The Demons of 9/11,” and “The Mask of the Holy Spirit,” written under the pseudonym Clanash Farjeon. These novels further expanded his artistic legacy, highlighting his storytelling prowess.
Scarfe was married to actress Barbara March, who played Lursa, one of the Duras sisters, across three Star Trek series. They met at the Stratford Festival and were married from 1979 until her death from cancer in August 2019. His first wife was actress Sara Botsford.
Scarfe is survived by his son, Jonathan Scarfe, known for his roles in “ER” and “Van Helsing,” and his daughter, Tosia, a musician and composer. Also surviving him are Tosia’s husband, Austin, who cared for Scarfe until his death, his grandchildren, Kai and Hunter, and his brother, Colin.
Reflecting on his career, Scarfe once said, “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.”
Scarfe’s legacy as a versatile and committed actor will be remembered by audiences and peers alike. His ability to deliver depth and intensity in his roles, whether on stage or on screen, has made a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.