René Auberjonois, the prolific American TV and film star, has died aged 79.
The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, M*A*S*H and Benson favourite passed away at his Los Angeles home, his son Remy has announced.
The actor had metastatic lung cancer and fought a brave battle against the disease.
He also starred in Boston Legal, appearing in 71 episodes as Paul Lewiston in the hit show.
"I am all of those characters, and I love that,” Auberjonois said in 2011, an interview with the Star Trek website after years playing Odo.
"I also run into people, and they think I’m their cousin or their dry cleaner. I love that, too."
Tributes have flooded in online.
Deep Space Nine co-star Armin Shimerman, who played Quark in the box office smash, posted a personal message on twitter.
He wrote: “His last message to me was entitled ‘Don’t forget…’ I know that I, Killy and all that knew him will never forget. The world seems noticeably emptier now. I loved him.”
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judith Auberjonois.
He leaves behind son Remy and daughter Anne - as well as his sisters Marie-Laure Degener and Anne Auberjonois.
Fan have been leaving message on social media.
One tweeted: "Another gone too soon. RIP René - you will always be remembered."
Another said: "A tragic loss. He was fantastic, so talented."
