ICONIC actor Michael Kopsa, who starred in TV’s The X-Files, Smallville, and much more, has died at age 66.
The Canadian longtime star’s tragic cause of death was revealed by his mourning family.
Kopsa passed away on October 23 due to “complications from a brain tumor,” his ex-wife, Lucia Frangione, with whom he shared one daughter, Nora, wrote to Instagram and Twitter on Tuesday.
“The great Michael Kopsa, my dear friend and the father of my child, Nora, passed away Oct. 23, 2022, of a brain tumor.
He was an incredible stage and screen actor, voice actor, carpenter, musician and painter.
Most importantly, he was a loving and richly present father to our Nora.”
“I will miss you fiercely my dear friend and co-parent.”
She and their teenage daughter are based in Vancouver.
Born in 1956, in Toronto, Canada, Kopsa studied acting in New York City until 1984, then returned to Canada to complete an arts and science degree at the University of Toronto, per The Hollywood Reporter.
He eventually had a stunning 224 acting credits to his name per IMDB.
He voiced the villain Char Aznable from 1979-1980 on the early anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, which was a cornerstone series for many fans of the genre.
Aside from voicing other anime classics, he appeared on the science fiction TV series Stargate SG-1, The X-Files, The Net, and The Outer Limits.
In the fourth season and fifth seasons of TV’s Fringe, he played the series regular villain Captain Windmark.
Michael’s movie roles then came rolling in as he starred in Marvel’s Fantastic Four as Ned Cecil in 2005, Highlander, the horror movie Appolo 18, and in Rise of the Planet of the Apes – both in 2011.
Whether through his powerhouse voice or on-camera, the actor veered towards sci-fi leading to his lengthy career.
He also did English-language voice dubbing – like Mobile Suit Gundam – for a large number of video games.
Voice actor and peer Peter Kelamis penned a touching tribute to Facebook:
“I lost a friend today. Many of us did. A friend who was admired and loved.
“I shall always cherish the memories in acting class together. It was always great to do scenes opposite those piercing eyes and booming voice.
“Soo much talent attached to such a kind soul. You leave behind many who shall miss you. Your fight was long…and you deserve to rest. Until we meet again. Love, your friend.”
Shea Hampton, who had also met Michael in his early days wrote: “Today the great Michael Kopsa lost his physical battle. My heart goes out to his family on such a staggering loss.
“Anyone who met him will remember his tremendous energy, power, and incredible talent.
“Many times over the years I’d get the call ‘Can I come in and do some cold reads? Give me something juicy.’ Then he would show everyone exactly how it should be done!
He commanded the scenes and left jaws hanging open in awe. He was simply the best – and he knew it!
Mike was a true creative gift and I loved him dearly. Until we meet again, safe journey home.”
One fan penned to Twitter: “RIP Michael Kopsa – voice actor extraordinaire… [and] one of the OGs. Thank you for your passion.”
“RIP Michael Kopsa, the perfect English voice for [anime’s] Char Aznable,” wrote another sharing a clip of his impressive vocal chops.
Funeral arrangements are not known at this time.
