Actor William O'Connell, who played the Star Trek villain and Clint Eastwood's antagonist, has died at the age of 94.
According to Deadline, which said a family friend informed the outlet of his death, he died on January 15 at his home in Sherman Oaks, California.
William O'Connell: Star Trek villain Clint Eastwood dies at 94 https://t.co/8XCYzmsImW
– Bill aka BFI (@BillFromIraq) February 3, 2024
The cause of death was not revealed.
O'Connell was a first lieutenant in the 45th Infantry Division during the Korean War. For his service he was honored with the Bronze Star and other decorations.
William O'Connell (May 12, 1929 – January 15, 2024). Without the journeymen, there would be no one to raise the stars. While you may not remember the name, you certainly remember his face and his performances in dozens of TV shows and movies. One of Clint Eastwood's most important pictures. pic.twitter.com/jayaZiSAS6
– Michael Holmes Michael Holmes (@doramu) February 1, 2024
O'Connell appeared on numerous television shows in the 1960s, including “Highway Patrol,” “Peter Gunn,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Dennis the Menace,” “Bonanza,” “Batman,” and “The Lucy Show.”
In 1967, he participated in an episode of “Star Trek” called “Journey to Babel.”
Rest in peace William O'Connell
O'Connell worked frequently with Clint Eastwood, with whom he made his debut in the 1969 musical Paint Your Wagon. In 1972, O'Connell was cast as a nervous barber in Eastwood's second directorial effort, High Plains Drifter, which was released the following year. pic.twitter.com/NhYQg7rigP
– Clint Eastwood Forever (@ClintForever) February 2, 2024
In the episode, he played the character Thelev, who sought to destroy the Enterprise but failed.
During the episode, he injured Captain James T. Kirk with a poisoned knife.
Rest in peace William O'Connell. “Pull, Lemuel!” pic.twitter.com/PfdoVUICkR
– Barclay Grayson (@barclaygrayson) February 1, 2024
O'Connell was a friend of Eastwood and appeared in a number of Eastwood's films, including “Paint Your Wagon,” “High Plains Drifter,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” “Every Which Way But Loose,” and “Any Where You Are.” Can.”
O'Connell was born on May 12, 1929, in Los Angeles.
Rest in peace William O'Connell. Some great early historical films. pic.twitter.com/paE3MNHdJQ
— ASymetricOPs (@SymetricOps) February 2, 2024
According to TV Insider, O'Connell worked on television shows throughout the 1980s.
His last appearance was in 1991 when he appeared in the TV movie “The Haunted” as Father Kearney.
This article originally appeared in The Western Journal.
