René Auberjonois

René Auberjonois, a master of metamorphosis, spent a career threading the needle between character actor and an unforgettable presence. Born on June 1, 1940, in New York City, Auberjonois's journey into the world of performance seemed almost preordained, considering his familial lineage intertwined prominently with culture and creativity. His father, Fernand Auberjonois, was a Swiss-born journalist, and his grandfather, René Auberjonois, was a post-impressionist painter in Switzerland, coloring not just canvases but the trajectory of an artistic legacy. Growing up in an environment rich with intellectual and artistic vibrance, Auberjonois cultivated his interest in the performing arts early on. The family's transatlantic lifestyle, oscillating between the United States and Europe, offered him a unique vantage point of the world which inevitably informed his approach to acting. Settling eventually in the United States, Auberjonois pursued his passion formally at the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), where he honed the craft that would come to define his life. His entry onto the professional stage was marked early by a Tony Award win in 1970 for his role in the Broadway production of "Coco," playing opposite Katharine Hepburn. Auberjonois’s innate ability to dissolve into a character was already discernible, and it wasn't long before he became a familiar face both on and off-Broadway, showcasing his versatility in productions such as “The Good Doctor,” “Big River,” and “City of Angels.” However, it was his transition to the screen that broadened his impact. Auberjonois's film breakout came with Robert Altman’s 1970 anti-war satire "M*A*S*H," in which he delivered a compelling performance as Father Mulcahy. This role was emblematic of his screen persona — blending warmth with a touch of eccentricity, crafting a niche in roles that often required both gravitas and whimsy. Following "M*A*S*H," Auberjonois maintained a working relationship with Altman, appearing in films like "Brewster McCloud," “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” and "The Player." For television audiences, Auberjonois might be most fondly remembered as Odo, the shape-shifting constable of the Space Station Deep Space Nine in the long-running “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” series. From 1993 to 1999, Auberjonois imbued Odo with a restrained dignity, peculiar nuances, and an exploration of identity that resonated deeply within the Star Trek universe’s philosophical explorations of humanity. His portrayal examined the essence of self disconnected from external appearances, a profound commentary that elevated the character far beyond typical genre tropes. In tandem with his on-screen performances, Auberjonois's voice became iconic in its own right. In Disney’s 1989 animated classic, "The Little Mermaid," he gave life to the eccentric Chef Louis with the unforgettable song "Les Poissons," adding another layer to the film's comedic heart. The realm of voice acting remained a fertile ground for Auberjonois, whose vocal talents enriched numerous animated series and films, further demonstrating his boundless adaptability. A significant period of his career was spent on “Benson,” the television sitcom, where he played Clayton Endicott III. Airing from 1979 to 1986, his performance as the pompous but endearing chief of staff earned him an Emmy Award nomination, underscoring his capacity for melding comedy with subtle humanity. Amidst his professional achievements, Auberjonois was well known for his commitment to the arts community. He held board positions on various creative organizations and frequently lent his experience and voice to initiatives that championed the arts and supported theatrical fellowships. Whether through personal mentorship or public advocacy, Auberjonois’s legacy in the arts community is marked by an unwavering dedication to fostering emerging talent. Off-screen, Auberjonois led a private life increasingly segmented away from the public eye, focusing on family and personal passions. He married Judith Mahalyi in 1963, and together they had two children, nurturing a family as central to his success story as his professional exploits. René Auberjonois passed away on December 8, 2019, leaving behind an indelible imprint on both the screen and stage. His career, though layered with a multitude of characters, stood as a singular testament to the dynamism of an actor who embraced all philological facets of performance. Through roles that ran the gamut from a futuristic law officer to an animated culinary enthusiast, Auberjonois demonstrated an uncommon range and abundant grace. His life, as multifaceted as his filmography, continued to inspire long after his final curtain call, speaking to the power of transformation and its ability to resonate through all layers of the human experience.