Star Trek Actor Gary Graham, Best Known As Enterprise's Ambassador Soval, Has Died At 73
The close-knit "Star Trek" family has lost one of their own today. Actor Gary Graham, most well-known for playing the role of the Vulcan Ambassador Soval in "Star Trek: Enterprise," sadly passed away early in the morning January 23, 2024. His death was first announced in a Facebook post by his ex-wife and actor Susan Lavelle (viaParade.com). No cause of death has yet been revealed, except that it was described as "sudden." Graham was 73 years old.
In addition to starring in "Enterprise" and even showing up for a brief appearance in "Star Trek: Voyager," Graham was more than willing to lend his talents to various roles in "Star Trek" fan films throughout the years, bringing Soval back to life in several unofficial movies that may not be formally sanctioned in the official canon of the franchise, but nonetheless speaks to the actor's passion for the character and his appreciation for the Trekkie community. Far from a one-note performer, however, Graham amassed an impressive list of credits to his name over the course of his almost 50 years of work. As early as his fourth acting job, he appeared in the classic "Starsky and Hutch" series in its third season before he was cast in an episode of the Lou Forrigno-starring "The Incredible Hulk" in 1979, "CHiPs" in 1981, and "The Dukes of Hazzard" a year later.
A full life and a varied career
As much as his work on "Star Trek" helped cement his legacy, Gary Graham's true pre-"Trek" claim to fame was his performance as Detective Matthew Sikes in the cult classic sci-fi procedural series "Alien Nation." Although based on 1988 movie of the same name (in which James Caan originally played the role of Sikes), "Alien Nation" only lasted for a single season and a total of 22 episodes before ultimately leading to a handful of made-for-TV movies throughout the late '80s and early 1990s. During the peak years of his output, Graham added a veritable murderer's row of name-brand productions to his résumé, including "Moonlighting," "Diagnosis Murder," "Ally McBeal," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Jag," the early Tom Cruise movie "All the Right Moves," and many, many more. In fact, he continued to work steadily right until last year, with a handful of projects (including more "Trek" fan films) yet to debut.
Graham leaves behind his ex-wife Susan Lavelle and their daughter Haylee, his wife Becky (who was with him in his final moments), and an enduring reputation that will continue to live on beyond 2024. Known as an exceptionally hard worker, a devoted family man, and a compelling screen presence for decades in both television and film, Gary Graham's contributions to pop culture at large won't be forgotten. May he rest in peace.