Alan John Scarfe, a British-Canadian actor revered for his powerful performances in theater and film, died at the age of 77. His family announced that Scarfe passed away from colon cancer on April 28, 2024, at his home in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada.
Scarfe was born on June 8, 1946, in Harpenden, England, and moved with his family to Vancouver, Canada, when he was young. His parents, Gladys and Neville Scarfe, both university professors, fostered his passion for the arts. His career, which spanned over five decades, was marked by a diverse range of roles that highlighted his classical training and exceptional talent.
After graduating from Lord Byng Secondary School in Vancouver, Scarfe pursued his love for acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art from 1964 to 1966. He was dedicated to theater during his early years, performing in classic plays throughout Europe and North America, including eight seasons at the Stratford Festival and two at the Shaw Festival in Ontario. He aimed to become a notable classical actor, following in the footsteps of renowned actors like Burbage and Olivier.
Scarfe made a successful transition into film and television in the early 1990s. He gained acclaim for his portrayal of villains in “Double Impact” (1991) and “Lethal Weapon III” (1992). His performances in “Double Impact,” where he played Nigel Griffith against Jean-Claude Van Damme’s dual characters, and as the duplicitous Internal Affairs chief Herman Walters in “Lethal Weapon III,” illustrated his capability to imbue villainous roles with complexity.
Apart from his film career, Scarfe also made significant contributions to television. He is known for his role as Dr. Bradley Talmadge in the UPN sci-fi series “Seven Days,” which aired for three seasons from 1998 to 2001. His roles in the iconic science fiction series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Voyager,” further amplified his legacy.
In a 2007 interview, Scarfe discussed his approach to playing alien characters, stating, “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 in recognition of his contributions to the arts. These included the Vancouver Film Critics Circle honorary award for lifetime achievement, the 1985 Genie Award, a 2005 Jessie Award, and a 2006 Austin Fantastic Fest Jury Prize.
Besides acting, Scarfe was also a successful author. His published works include “The Revelation of Jack the Ripper” in 2017, and “The Carnivore Trilogy,” under the pen name Clanash Farjeon. The trilogy comprises “The Vampires of Juarez,” “The Demons of 9/11,” and “The Mask of the Holy Spirit,” further showcasing his artistic prowess as a storyteller.
Scarfe was married to actress Barbara March, known for her role as Lursa, one of the villainous Duras sisters, on three Star Trek series. The couple met at the Stratford Festival and remained together from 1979 until March’s death from cancer in August 2019. Scarfe was previously married to actress Sara Botsford.
Surviving Scarfe are his son, Jonathan, known for his roles in “ER” and “Van Helsing,” and daughter, Tosia, a musician and composer. Also surviving him are his son-in-law, 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.”
Alan Scarfe’s legacy as a versatile and committed actor will be remembered by fans and fellow actors. His talent for bringing depth and intensity to his performances, whether on the stage or on screen, has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
