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Richard Biggs passes away
Richard Biggs, who played Dr Stephen Franklin on Babylon 5, amongst other things, recently passed away. Below is the message from Joe Straczynski announcing this sad event:
Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated
Date: 22 May 2004 22:25:56 GMT
References: <j4cdnq5xka1cfjld4p2dna@adelphia.com>
Organization: AOL www.aol.com
Subject: Today We Lost Richard Biggs
Message-Id: <20040522182556.22491.00000701@mb-m27.aol.com>
Orig-From: jmsatb5@aol.com (Jms at B5)
I was awakened today with several phone calls from cast members and Doug to pass along the terrible news that this morning, Richard Biggs passed away.
We're still gathering information, so take none of this as firm word, but what seems to have happened, happened quickly. He woke up, got up out of bed...and went down. The paramedics who showed up suggested it was either an aneurysm or a massive stroke.
His family members have been informed, and all of the the cast have, as far as we can determine, also been informed.
This is a terrible loss for all of us. Richard was a consummate professional but more than that he was an honorable, stand-up guy. If he gave you his word on something, you never had to wonder about it afterward. He was always helpful and supportive of all the cast, even those who only came in for one episode, always with a ready smile and determined to do whatever it took to make the scene work. He was, quite simply, a terrific guy, and everyone here is just devastated at the news.
More word as this develops. We may try to have some kind of fund raiser to help give whatever assistance may be helpful for his kids.
We all miss him terribly.
jms
(jmsatb5@aol.com)
(all message content (c) 2004 by synthetic worlds, ltd., permission to reprint specifically denied to SFX Magazine and don't send me story ideas)
--
Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated
Date: 22 May 2004 22:25:56 GMT
References: <j4cdnq5xka1cfjld4p2dna@adelphia.com>
Organization: AOL www.aol.com
Subject: Today We Lost Richard Biggs
Message-Id: <20040522182556.22491.00000701@mb-m27.aol.com>
Orig-From: jmsatb5@aol.com (Jms at B5)
I was awakened today with several phone calls from cast members and Doug to pass along the terrible news that this morning, Richard Biggs passed away.
We're still gathering information, so take none of this as firm word, but what seems to have happened, happened quickly. He woke up, got up out of bed...and went down. The paramedics who showed up suggested it was either an aneurysm or a massive stroke.
His family members have been informed, and all of the the cast have, as far as we can determine, also been informed.
This is a terrible loss for all of us. Richard was a consummate professional but more than that he was an honorable, stand-up guy. If he gave you his word on something, you never had to wonder about it afterward. He was always helpful and supportive of all the cast, even those who only came in for one episode, always with a ready smile and determined to do whatever it took to make the scene work. He was, quite simply, a terrific guy, and everyone here is just devastated at the news.
More word as this develops. We may try to have some kind of fund raiser to help give whatever assistance may be helpful for his kids.
We all miss him terribly.
jms
(jmsatb5@aol.com)
(all message content (c) 2004 by synthetic worlds, ltd., permission to reprint specifically denied to SFX Magazine and don't send me story ideas)
--
8 Replies and 5363 Views in Total.
Forgot to post this bit:
I saw him at Blackpool at one of the big B5 cons there years ago. He came across as a very nice, entertaining guy. He seemed to genuinely appreciate the fans, and said he especially liked the fact that B5 fans were far less pushy and in your face than the soap fans he'd been used to till then. He also told a hilarious story of how he accidentally smacked William Shatner in the face in a fight scene while guesting on TJ Hooker, leaving WS bellowing "Son of a Bitch broke my nose!"
I think this has come as an especially big shock to me as I've recently come to realise, thanks to the DVDs, that B5 is still my one true love, fandom-wise.
I guess, in summary, I think he was a great guy who made a great contribution to making what I still think is the best piece of TV SF ever and he will be missed.
I saw him at Blackpool at one of the big B5 cons there years ago. He came across as a very nice, entertaining guy. He seemed to genuinely appreciate the fans, and said he especially liked the fact that B5 fans were far less pushy and in your face than the soap fans he'd been used to till then. He also told a hilarious story of how he accidentally smacked William Shatner in the face in a fight scene while guesting on TJ Hooker, leaving WS bellowing "Son of a Bitch broke my nose!"
I think this has come as an especially big shock to me as I've recently come to realise, thanks to the DVDs, that B5 is still my one true love, fandom-wise.
I guess, in summary, I think he was a great guy who made a great contribution to making what I still think is the best piece of TV SF ever and he will be missed.
Posted: 19:39 May 23 2004 
That's extremely sad, I understand from Ming's journal that he was only 43 
The work I'd seen of his (especially Babylon 5) was brilliant, and it's just one of those moments where you think "damn so young, I can't believe I'll never have the chance to meet him"
Probably seems like a very odd thing to say, but actors/actresses are frozen on screen in time and you always think there'll be a chance to see them at a signing, or on the next show they do.
The work I'd seen of his (especially Babylon 5) was brilliant, and it's just one of those moments where you think "damn so young, I can't believe I'll never have the chance to meet him"
Probably seems like a very odd thing to say, but actors/actresses are frozen on screen in time and you always think there'll be a chance to see them at a signing, or on the next show they do.
Posted: 23:14 May 23 2004
I once looked after Richard and he was a lovely guy, funny, wicked sense of humour and friendly to all fans.
a loss to his family and friends.
so sad and sudden.
a loss to his family and friends.
so sad and sudden.
Posted: 00:32 May 24 2004
A friend asked me to pass on any more news or updates I found to her so I thought I'd post them here too.
First up, an account of the memorial service:
On Fri, 28 May 2004 08:10:12 +0100, in uk.media.tv.sf.babylon5 "Ali Hopkins" <fn62@dial.pipex.com> wrote:
>
>This is from the Zocalo...
>
>Memorial Service for Richard James Biggs II
>
>The service was held today, Wednesday May 26, 2004, at the Emmanuel
>Lutheran Church in North Hollywood. It is a HUGE church, and I am happy
>to report that it was packed wall to wall with family, co- workers from
>Days, B5, and Strong Medicine. Rick was born on March 18, 1960, and
>passed away on May 22, 2004 - a mere 44 years old. There were many
>beautiful bouquets of flowers, with an especially beautiful one having
>sunflowers located on the floor, right at the head end of the casket.
>Rick is the only brother, and he has four sisters. His family is very
>large, very close, and very loving - and he has produced two beautiful
>children, RJ and Hunter.There were several pictures of Rick, the moss
>striking (IMO) being a portrait with his sons.
>
>Service began with a beautiful rendition of "The Prayer" by Christina
>Ashford and Norman Large, accompanied by Sonia Ruud on the piano. Next,
>the welcome and opening prayer, then Rick's Life by one of his sisters,
>Alicia (who is known as Kathy.). Jerry Reddinger read from Job 19:
>23-27, followed by Michael Lynch reading 1 Corinthians Chapter 13.
>
>Peter Levine, Rick's friend for over 20 years, from when they attended
>USC together, told about what it meant to BE Rick's friend, and some of
>their activities... not all looked upon benevolently by the
>administration. Pastor Ken Frese told about The Father of RJ and
>Hunter, and then a tearful Andrea Lynch, one of Rick's nieces, read the
>Letter to Uncle Rick.
>
>Some short prayers, followed by The Lord's Prayer (sung exquisitely,
>but I didn't get the lady's name!), the Benediction, and the hymn,
>"Joyful, Joyful." The attendees then lined up to pay their last
>respects to Rick and visit a moment with his lovely wife Lori and his
>family.
>
>The following is transcribed exactly from a card inserted in the
>program:
>
>******
>In honor of Richard's most prized contributions to this world, his
>children, a special fund has been set up for their education. In lieu
>of flowers or gifts, please send donations to:
>
>The Benefit of the Children of Richard James Biggs II Washington Mutual
>Bank 840 N. San Fernando Blvd
>Burbank CA 91502.
>
>To help his children remember what a wonderful man he was and how many
>people's lives he touched, please send your special memory or photo to:
>
>RJ and Hunter Biggs
>1052 W. Alameda Ave #350
>Burbank CA 91506.
>
>******
>>From Babylon 5, I saw the following people: This is from memory, and
>just because I didn't SEE someone does not mean that s/he wasn't
>present, okay?
>
>Andreas Katsulas
>Pat Tallman and Jeff Willerth
>Bruce and Melissa Boxleitner
>Jerry Doyle
>Jason Carter
>Walter Koenig
>Claudia Christian
>joe
>Doug Netter
>John Copeland
>
>I don't know anyone from any of Rick's other shows, but as I said, the
>church was PACKED. A fitting tribute to a wonderful man.
>
>Doctor Stephen Franklin, May your walkabout be a pleasant one. Rest in
>Peace.
>
>A private memorial followed at a home.
>
>Richard "Chats" Feldman
>
>++++++++++++
>For more information on memorial efforts to benefit the family of
>Richard Biggs, be sure to visit www.isnnews.net.
Interesting to see Walter Koenig attended. Looks like he was serious about all the stuff he said about B5 and JMS at Blackpool all those years ago.
There's also a couple of tribute videos circulating. Here's one:
>From: "John Hudgens (Fenn)" <f-shysa@usit.net>
>Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated
>Subject: Re: ATTN: JMS Richard Biggs tribute - ONLINE NOW
>Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 14:11:43 +0000 (UTC)
>
>For the B5 community:
> I don't know what Warner's or Joe's plans are for a Rick Biggs
>tribute, but I took it upon myself to do one, which I'll probably be
>showing at the conventions I do from now on... Rick was one of the
>classiest guys I ever met, and we always had fun hanging out at
>conventions - I'll really miss him...
>
> I've already sent this off to Joe, and this morning he gave me
>permission to post a link to it online, so we can share this with the B5
>fan community - you can download my tribute video here:
>
> http://download.theforce.net/theater/temp/rickbiggs_320.mov
>
> Farewell, Rick... you were one of the good guys... we needed more
>like you...
>
> John Hudgens
> the Babylon 5 music video guy
> www.zteamproductions.com
There's another at http://stargate-sg1.hu/richardbiggs/
CNN also has an obituary at http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/25/obit.biggs/
Other sites with memorials and details on fund-raising for his children, the younger of whom is apparently only a month old:
http://www.thegalacticgateway.com/ - Pat Tallman's site. Includes details for some eBay auctions being run
http://www.gilbert-boxleitner.com/ - Bruce Boxleitner and Melissa Gilbert's site
http://www.isnnews.net/zocalo/rbiggs.shtml - Memorial page at The Zocalo/ISN News Today
First up, an account of the memorial service:
On Fri, 28 May 2004 08:10:12 +0100, in uk.media.tv.sf.babylon5 "Ali Hopkins" <fn62@dial.pipex.com> wrote:
>
>This is from the Zocalo...
>
>Memorial Service for Richard James Biggs II
>
>The service was held today, Wednesday May 26, 2004, at the Emmanuel
>Lutheran Church in North Hollywood. It is a HUGE church, and I am happy
>to report that it was packed wall to wall with family, co- workers from
>Days, B5, and Strong Medicine. Rick was born on March 18, 1960, and
>passed away on May 22, 2004 - a mere 44 years old. There were many
>beautiful bouquets of flowers, with an especially beautiful one having
>sunflowers located on the floor, right at the head end of the casket.
>Rick is the only brother, and he has four sisters. His family is very
>large, very close, and very loving - and he has produced two beautiful
>children, RJ and Hunter.There were several pictures of Rick, the moss
>striking (IMO) being a portrait with his sons.
>
>Service began with a beautiful rendition of "The Prayer" by Christina
>Ashford and Norman Large, accompanied by Sonia Ruud on the piano. Next,
>the welcome and opening prayer, then Rick's Life by one of his sisters,
>Alicia (who is known as Kathy.). Jerry Reddinger read from Job 19:
>23-27, followed by Michael Lynch reading 1 Corinthians Chapter 13.
>
>Peter Levine, Rick's friend for over 20 years, from when they attended
>USC together, told about what it meant to BE Rick's friend, and some of
>their activities... not all looked upon benevolently by the
>administration. Pastor Ken Frese told about The Father of RJ and
>Hunter, and then a tearful Andrea Lynch, one of Rick's nieces, read the
>Letter to Uncle Rick.
>
>Some short prayers, followed by The Lord's Prayer (sung exquisitely,
>but I didn't get the lady's name!), the Benediction, and the hymn,
>"Joyful, Joyful." The attendees then lined up to pay their last
>respects to Rick and visit a moment with his lovely wife Lori and his
>family.
>
>The following is transcribed exactly from a card inserted in the
>program:
>
>******
>In honor of Richard's most prized contributions to this world, his
>children, a special fund has been set up for their education. In lieu
>of flowers or gifts, please send donations to:
>
>The Benefit of the Children of Richard James Biggs II Washington Mutual
>Bank 840 N. San Fernando Blvd
>Burbank CA 91502.
>
>To help his children remember what a wonderful man he was and how many
>people's lives he touched, please send your special memory or photo to:
>
>RJ and Hunter Biggs
>1052 W. Alameda Ave #350
>Burbank CA 91506.
>
>******
>>From Babylon 5, I saw the following people: This is from memory, and
>just because I didn't SEE someone does not mean that s/he wasn't
>present, okay?
>
>Andreas Katsulas
>Pat Tallman and Jeff Willerth
>Bruce and Melissa Boxleitner
>Jerry Doyle
>Jason Carter
>Walter Koenig
>Claudia Christian
>joe
>Doug Netter
>John Copeland
>
>I don't know anyone from any of Rick's other shows, but as I said, the
>church was PACKED. A fitting tribute to a wonderful man.
>
>Doctor Stephen Franklin, May your walkabout be a pleasant one. Rest in
>Peace.
>
>A private memorial followed at a home.
>
>Richard "Chats" Feldman
>
>++++++++++++
>For more information on memorial efforts to benefit the family of
>Richard Biggs, be sure to visit www.isnnews.net.
Interesting to see Walter Koenig attended. Looks like he was serious about all the stuff he said about B5 and JMS at Blackpool all those years ago.
There's also a couple of tribute videos circulating. Here's one:
>From: "John Hudgens (Fenn)" <f-shysa@usit.net>
>Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated
>Subject: Re: ATTN: JMS Richard Biggs tribute - ONLINE NOW
>Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 14:11:43 +0000 (UTC)
>
>For the B5 community:
> I don't know what Warner's or Joe's plans are for a Rick Biggs
>tribute, but I took it upon myself to do one, which I'll probably be
>showing at the conventions I do from now on... Rick was one of the
>classiest guys I ever met, and we always had fun hanging out at
>conventions - I'll really miss him...
>
> I've already sent this off to Joe, and this morning he gave me
>permission to post a link to it online, so we can share this with the B5
>fan community - you can download my tribute video here:
>
> http://download.theforce.net/theater/temp/rickbiggs_320.mov
>
> Farewell, Rick... you were one of the good guys... we needed more
>like you...
>
> John Hudgens
> the Babylon 5 music video guy
> www.zteamproductions.com
There's another at http://stargate-sg1.hu/richardbiggs/
CNN also has an obituary at http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/25/obit.biggs/
Other sites with memorials and details on fund-raising for his children, the younger of whom is apparently only a month old:
http://www.thegalacticgateway.com/ - Pat Tallman's site. Includes details for some eBay auctions being run
http://www.gilbert-boxleitner.com/ - Bruce Boxleitner and Melissa Gilbert's site
http://www.isnnews.net/zocalo/rbiggs.shtml - Memorial page at The Zocalo/ISN News Today
Posted: 12:58 May 28 2004