The acclaimed British-Canadian actor, Alan John Scarfe, notable for his powerful performances in theater and film, has 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.
Born in Harpenden, England on June 8, 1946, Scarfe’s career spanned over 50 years, highlighting his classical training and exceptional talent. His family moved to Vancouver, Canada when he was young where his parents, university professors Gladys and Neville, fostered 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. He was deeply committed to theater in his early years, performing in many classic plays across Europe and North America, including eight seasons at the Stratford Festival and two at the Shaw Festival in Ontario. He aimed to be a revered classical actor, following in the footsteps of legends like Burbage and Olivier.
Scarfe’s shift to film and television in the early 1990s came with remarkable performances. He was recognized for his roles as villains in “Double Impact” (1991) and “Lethal Weapon III” (1992). His role as Nigel Griffith in “Double Impact“, where he took on Jean-Claude Van Damme’s dual characters, and his portrayal of the devious Internal Affairs chief Herman Walters in “Lethal Weapon III,” displayed his skill in bringing complexity to villainous roles.
Besides his work in film, Scarfe made significant contributions to television. He starred as Dr. Bradley Talmadge in the UPN sci-fi series “Seven Days,” which ran for three seasons from 1998 to 2001. His roles in iconic science fiction series like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Voyager,” further solidified his legacy.
In a 2007 interview, Scarfe’s ability to portray alien characters with a strong stage presence was evident when he said, “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 acknowledged with various awards. He received 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.
Additionally, Scarfe was a skilled writer. His literary works, which include “The Revelation of Jack the Ripper” (2017) and “The Carnivore Trilogy” under the pen name Clanash Farjeon, added another layer to his artistic legacy, displaying his storytelling talent.
In his personal life, Scarfe was married to actress Barbara March, known for her role as Lursa, one of the villainous Duras sisters, on 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. His son-in-law Austin, who cared for Scarfe until his passing, also survives him, along with his grandchildren, Kai and Hunter. His brother, Colin, is another surviving family member.
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 endure. His talent for bringing depth and intensity to his roles, on stage and on screen, has made a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
