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US actor James Sloyan, known for his roles in popular films and television series, has died at the age of 85.
Sloyan died at his home on July 22, according to reports.
He won praise for playing Motola in George Roy Hill’s Oscar-winning 1973 film The Sting. He later appeared in the 1980 musical fantasy film Xanadu.
Sloyan became particularly familiar to television audiences through his appearances in several Star Trek series, including The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager, where he played different characters.
Born on February 24, 1941, in Indianapolis, Sloyan was the youngest of four siblings. Before pursuing acting, he served for three years in the US Army and later trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
He made his Broadway debut in 1969 in the play Indians and appeared on the big screen the following year in The Traveling Executioner.
Sloyan also had a long association with Lexus, serving as the voice of the luxury carmaker’s advertisements for 18 years from 1989.
He married actress Deirdre Lenihan in 1973. The couple had two children, Daniel and Samantha.