Takara_Soong 4 Posted June 1, 2003 HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENE AUBERJOINOIS - JUNE 1 Rene Auberjonois doesn't sound like Odo. Listening to the actor speak at a convention or in one of his many non-Trek television/movie/theater appearances, it becomes readily apparent that there is little trace of the shapeshifting security chief's signature growl. It's a testament to Auberjonois' chameleon-like skill that he virtually disappears into the character, even going so far as to create an entirely new, distinctively gruff and gravelly voice. As Odo, Auberjonois had what is perhaps one of the most varied and epic character arcs in Star Trek history. When we were first introduced to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's constable, one thing was readily apparent — he was a character unlike any we'd seen before. Odo functioned as a detached observer of humanity (a role previously inhabited by the likes of Spock and Data), but he was also the only one of his kind — the origins of his species were unknown. Little did we know that this would become a major plotline for both the character and the series itself. After discovering his species, the Founders, at the beginning of the third season, Odo soon learned that these Changelings were a cruel, conquering race, the leaders of Gamma Quadrant mega-power the Dominion. Over the next few years, as the Dominion War arc unfolded, Odo became a major focus on the show. He confronted his own blossoming human traits, finding love with Kira and developing an entertaining love/hate relationship with Quark, but he could never quite deny that he was still an outsider. Odo's final decision — to cure his people by joining the Great Link — remains one of the most touching moments in the series' history. In addition to DS9, Auberjonois boasts a long list of colorful credits. He helped found the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, the Mark Taper Repertory in Los Angeles and the Brooklyn Academy of Music Repertory Company in New York, and acted in many theatre productions. He won a Tony for his work on Broadway in the musical "Coco," with Katharine Hepburn. Auberjonois has also appeared numerous times on the big screen — notable credits include "M*A*S*H," "Batman Forever," "The Ballad of Little Jo" and box office hit "The Patriot." In addition, he has done voice work on many projects, perhaps most memorably as Chef Louis in Disney's "The Little Mermaid." Auberjonois non-Trek television work includes an Emmy-nominated six year stint as Clayton Endicott III on the hit series Benson. In another franchise connection, Rene co-starred in the 2000 TV movie musical "Geppetto" along with fellow veteran Trek actor Brent Spiner ("Data"). Since the end of DS9, Auberjonois has kept busy with extensive work in all mediums. Last season, he guest starred as "Ezral" in the Enterprise episode "Oasis." from startrek.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bevfanK 0 Posted June 1, 2003 Happy Birthday Odo!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LadyNarana 0 Posted June 1, 2003 Happy birthday, sir! You are truly respected! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
