[Deathwatch] Richard Biggs, actor, 44

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

Babylon 5 actor Biggs dies at 44

Babylon 5 was a cult US science fiction series in the 1990s
Richard Biggs, one of the actors in the cult science fiction TV series
Babylon 5, has died in the US aged 44.

Biggs, who played Dr Stephen Franklin in the series and its three TV
movie spin-offs, died on Saturday from a suspected aneurysm or stroke.

Series creator J Michael Straczynski said: "He woke up, got up out of
bed - and went down."

Biggs, married with two sons, also appeared on ER, NYPD Blue, and the
soap Days of Our Lives.

Paramedics who treated the actor at his California home suggested a
"massive stroke" or aneurysm had been the cause of his death, Mr
Stracyznski said.

Teacher

He described Biggs' death as a "terrible loss. Richard was a consummate
professional, but more than that, he was an honourable, stand-up guy,"
he said.

Since 2001, Biggs had also appeared on the CBS show Guiding Light.

His role as Dr Marcus Hunter on Days of Our Lives won him a Soap Opera
Digest award as best supporting actor.

As well as his acting roles, Biggs also taught, notably at the Will
Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, California, where a memorial
service will be held.