James Sloyan, the veteran character actor whose career spanned six decades, has died at 85.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Sloyan, known for films including Xanadu, died July 22 at his home in Sherman Oaks, surrounded by family.
A statement honoring the actor described him as a constant presence who was curious, brave, inventive and loyal, while also being “brash, mouthy and very urban.” Friends and colleagues concluded: “He was one-of-a-kind.”
Sloyan is survived by Deirdre Lenihan, his partner of six decades, and their two children: Daniel, a musician, and Samantha, an actor.
Over a wide-ranging career, Sloyan worked across daytime soaps, primetime television, advertising and feature films.
For many viewers, he was especially recognizable from the Star Trek universe, making his franchise debut in a 1990 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
James Sloyan, the acclaimed character actor whose work covered six decades, has died at 85
Sloyan first appeared in the Star Trek franchise in a 1990 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation
He later appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, returned to The Next Generation, and went on to feature in Star Trek: Voyager.
His film credits also included the 1973 classic The Sting, starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
A major critical and box-office success, The Sting won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and earned more than $250 million worldwide.
Sloyan played Mottola, a mobster working for the ruthless crime boss Doyle Lonnegan, portrayed by Robert Shaw.
He later took on another memorable film role in the 1980 musical Xanadu, playing Simpson, the demanding boss of Sonny Malone, portrayed by Michael Beck.
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His television résumé included appearances on such popular series as Hawaii Five-O, Growing Pains, MacGyver, Baywatch and The X-Files.
Away from the screen, Sloyan became a familiar voice to audiences after spending 20 years narrating Lexus commercials.
Born in Indianapolis in 1941, Sloyan studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before serving three years in the U.S. Army.
Sloyan appeared as Simpson in the 1980 musical film Xanadu
Sloyan had a role in The Sting, the 1973 hit starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford that won seven Academy Awards
After his military service, he began building his acting career with the New York Shakespeare Festival, where he also worked as a fight choreographer. He made his Broadway debut in Arthur Kopit’s Indians in 1969.
Sloyan was also the brother of the late Patrick Sloyan, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist remembered for reporting that American troops had been killed by friendly fire during the Gulf War.
Patrick died in 2019 at age 82.
Sloyan rarely ever gave interviews and never appeared at fan conventions, despite being one of the most popular guest stars from the Star Trek universe.
The announcement of his death comes just days after it was revealed that fellow Star Trek actor Gerrit Graham had also passed away.
Graham died last week aged 77 in an assisted living facility, his wife told The Hollywood Reporter.
In addition to starring in multiple Brian De Palma films, including Phantom of the Paradise, he also appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager.
His other notable roles include Child’s Play 2, My Girl 2, and 1978’s Pretty Baby with Brooke Shields.