OT: Deaths of UFO veteran actors

[Gothick]

Greetings.

I'm aware that there are a few other folks here who are fans of the 1969-1970 Gerry Anderson series UFO (which aired on CBS, I believe, in 1972, and was subsequently seen in occasional syndication, including stints on the Sci Fi channel in the 1990s).  Today I learned that the two lead actors on the series, Ed Bishop (who portrayed Commander Straker) and Michael Billington (who played Colonel Paul Foster) both died last week in a strange coincidence.

Michael Billington, aged 63, died on Monday June 6 in complications from cancer.  Ed Bishop, aged 72, died as a result of a sudden viral infection while in hospital following surgery on Tuesday, June 7.  Marc Martin, a veteran fan of the series, received confirmation from their families that the men died earlier this week.  It was reported on the Scarlet Street magazine site on Wed. I believe.

Apparently, the families are waiting to issue official obituaries due to concerns for privacy.

I'll miss both Ed and Mike a lot.  Their performances on UFO have cheered many otherwise dreary hours in my life.  I like to think of them in some twinkly, silvery heaven, served cocktails from angelic waitresses attired in the trademark UFO purple wigs with matching eyeliner and plunging-neckline space suits.

Steve

[CyrusL]

Thanks for conveying this information. Sorry to hear more sad news.  I remember watching the series in my middle school days. I still have the View Master reels (of this & DS too). I haven't seen the show in years, but I have very fond memories. Ed Bishop had a great presence on the show. To be honest, I liked it better than Space:1999 as it moved along at a  faster pace. Plus, the purple wigs were pretty attractive on the ladies.

Michael 

[Gerard]

My goodness, I haven't thought about UFO in years, if not decades.  I remember that the aliens breathed a liquid atmosphere, and wore helmets filled with the substance.

Gerard