As a gamer with a deep-rooted love for television and a soft spot for heartwarming stories, I was deeply saddened to learn of Obi Ndefo’s untimely passing at the age of 51. His role as Rak-nor in Stargate SG-1 and his interracial relationship with Bessie Potter in Dawson’s Creek were pivotal parts of my teenage years, shaping my perspective on diversity and representation in media.
This week, it was announced tragically that Obi Ndefo, known for his roles in Stargate SG-1 and Dawson’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 51. His sister was the one who shared this heartbreaking news, revealing in a message that her cherished “younger” brother had succumbed to complications following a 2019 car accident which resulted in him losing both his legs.
I recently posted a photo of my dear brother on Facebook, but unfortunately, I’m yet to learn about the reasons behind his passing.
Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace .
In my earliest memory, I encountered Obi Ndefo as Rak-nor, a Free Jaffa Nation member who interacted with the main character Teal’c, in the series “Stargate SG-1”. Back then, I saw it on DVD during the early 2000s. Lately, he reappeared on my interest list after I began marathoning “Dawson’s Creek”.
For Holmes, though, the connections were not loose. Ndefo was an integral part of her growing up experience. He played a reasonably large role in the first season of the hit teen drama (after replacing George Gaffney, who starred in the Dawson’s Creek pilot) when Holmes was still a teenager. He would have had scenes with her quite often as his character was dating Joey’s sister on the series, Bessie Potter. (The two were in an interracial relationship that was seen as taboo by some characters on the series at the time.)
Holmes took to her Stories to recall her time working with Obi Ndefo, then a young Yale graduate taking on his most prominent TV role at that time. (He’d later appear in six episodes of Stargate SG-1 and in several guest roles on shows like NCIS: LA, The West Wing and NYPD Blue). Holmes called her former co-star “wonderful,” also sharing a picture from the show on her Instagram account.
Other series lead Mary-Margaret Humes (who played Dawson’s mom Gail) also paid tribute to the actor on Instagram, calling him a part of her “TV family.” She also wrote:
These words don’t come easy 💔It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend. You always were and always will be a bright shining light. What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent. I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years. Rest in peace sweet warrior. 🙏🕊️❤️💫
Not long ago, Ndefo suffered a car accident that resulted in the amputation of both his legs. This unfortunate incident took place outside Erewhon Market in Los Angeles, where he had gone grocery shopping after attending a yoga class. A driver under the influence struck him as he stood beside his car. A witness stayed with him until emergency services arrived, as reported by NBC at the time.
At that point, he stayed motivated by repeating empowering phrases to himself. In interviews with media outlets, he expressed, “I can accomplish this task, and I wish to continue making a difference in the world.” Later on, he clarified that he harbored no resentment regarding the incident. Over the years, he established the Arts Alliance for Humanity in the Los Angeles region and dedicated himself to serving the community, even during his acting engagements.
Our thoughts go out to his friends, his family and his TV family at this time.
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2024-09-02 18:07