Gary Graham, a veteran actor renowned for his roles as Ambassador Soval in “Star Trek: Enterprise” and detective Matthew Sikes in the “Alien Nation” franchise, passed away at the age of 73 at his residence in Spokane Valley, Wash. The cause of his death, confirmed by his wife Becky Graham, was cardiac arrest.
Over a 50-year acting career, Graham made notable appearances in several TV shows, including “Starsky and Hutch” and “The Incredible Hulk.” However, his significant impact was in the realm of science fiction.
Beginning his acting journey in 1976 with a role in “The Quest,” Graham went on to feature in popular series like “Starsky and Hutch,” “The Incredible Hulk,” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.” His first regular role was in the “Alien Nation” franchise, where he portrayed Matthew Sikes, a human detective navigating life alongside extraterrestrials in Los Angeles. The show, initially a 1988 film, ran for one season but spawned multiple television movies.
Graham also left his mark in the “Star Trek” universe, playing Soval, a Vulcan ambassador to Earth, in 12 episodes of “Star Trek: Enterprise.” His portrayal of the logical and emotion-suppressing Vulcan ambassador showcased his skill in bringing nuanced characters to life.
Born on June 7, 1950, in Long Beach, Calif., Gary Rand Graham grew up in Anaheim. His father, Ralph Graham, was a surgeon, and his mother, Rosemary Taggert, was a homemaker. Beyond his official roles, Graham continued to contribute to the “Star Trek” community through unofficial fan-produced projects like the 2007 film “Star Trek: Of Gods And Men.”
Gary Graham’s diverse career and memorable contributions to science fiction and television will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.