Goodbye, Earl Boen (January 14, 2023)

[Bandit LOAF]

We are sad to report the passing of a veteran Wing Commander actor. Earl Boen, who voiced two characters in the first episode of Wing Commander Academy, passed away on January 3 at age 81 after a battle with lung cancer. Mr. Boen is best known for his appearances in the first three Terminator films as psychologist Dr. Silberman who continually finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time with regards to futuristic android appearances. Gamers know him best as the voice of Ghost Pirate LeChuck through most of the storied Monkey Island series (he had retired from acting just prior to development of the recent Return to Monkey Island). He was beloved throughout the entertainment industry, appearing in dozens and dozens of roles in every medium imaginable. You can read more about his career in this Variety article.





Mr. Boen guest starred in the first episode of Wing Commander Academy, "Red and Blue", where he played two major roles: the Terran Confederation Space Force Flight School Commandant, a contemporary of Commodore Tolwyn, and the Kilrathi blockade runner commander who plots to steal the Academy's classified data. He was one of several Academy actors whose massively succesful acting careers overshadowed their Wing Commander parts; others include Dana Delany, Jessica Walter, Jennifer Hale and Ron Perlman.

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Original update published on January 14, 2023

 

[Wedge009]

That's a shame, I only recently obtained and watched a UHD copy of T2, I had no idea he also had a role as that academy instructor. I also completely missed lady-of-numerous-voices as Princess Zukara, my recollection some of her lines were delivered quite exaggeratedly (maybe that was the direction), I'll have to have another watch/listen.

 

[Bandit LOAF]

She's only credited for Price of Victory but I believe she has a scene in Glory of Sivar too. It was at the very start of her career, but I do think the direction was to do an exagerrated 'pouty royal' voice (the audience is supposed to immediately pick up that she's considered unpleasant/unreasonable by Bhok without too much having been established about Kilrathi interpersonal interactions).

 

[Wedge009]

Ouch, I forgot Academy is that old - 1996. Not right at the start of her career, but still pretty early on.