Alien Nation and Star Trek: Enterprise actor dies 'suddenly'

Actor Gary Graham, best known for his roles in TV series Alien Nation and Star Trek: Enterprise, has died “suddenly” at the age of 73, his ex-wife has announced.

Susan Lavelle shared the news on Facebook, where she called Graham an “amazing actor and father” to their daughter, Haylee.

She said his wife Becky Hopkins was by his side when he died.

“It is with deep profound sadness to say that Gary Graham, my ex-husband, amazing actor and father of our beautiful only child together, Haylee Graham, has passed away today,” Ms Lavelle said.

“We are completely devastated, especially our daughter… this was sudden so please pray for our daughter as she navigates through this thing called grief.”

She said she had first met Graham when he was the co-lead in 1980s science-fiction television series Alien Nation, in which he portrayed Detective Matthew Sikes.

The series followed Detective Sikes as he reluctantly worked with alien ‘newcomer’ – Sam ‘George’ Francisco – played by Eric Pierpoint, as aliens slowly begin to be integrated into human society.

From 2001 to 2005 he appeared as Ambassador Soval in a total of 12 episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise, which is a prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series.

“Gary was funny, sarcastic sense of humour but kind, fought for what he believed in, a devout Christian and was so proud of his daughter, Haylee,” Ms Lavelle continued.

“Fly high into the heavens Gar! Thank you for our journey and thank you for the gifts you left me in acting, my love of horses and most importantly, our daughter.”

Haylee Graham shared her own tribute to her father on X, writing: “Thank you everyone for your kind condolences and wonderful stories about my incredible dad and talented actor Gary Graham.

“It’s surreal seeing how far the ripples went, and how much of an impact he had on so many. I miss him so much.”

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The actor appeared in a number of other television series and films during his five-decade career, including 1983 film All The Right Moves, with Tom Cruise, The Spy Within in 1995, and the American superhero television series M.A.N.T.I.S, which ran for one series in 1994.

He also guest starred on shows including Ally McBeal, Nip/Tuck, Renegades and Work Related.