‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Stargate SG-1’ Actor Dies at 51

Obi Ndefo, the actor known for his roles in Dawson’s Creek and Stargate SG-1, has passed away at the age of 51.

The actor’s sister, Nkem Ndefo, announced his death Saturday night on Facebook, sharing a throwback photo of herself and Obi. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

“Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother, and knowing he’s finally at peace,” Nkem wrote in the post.

Obi’s passing occurs five years after he lost both his legs in a hit-and-run accident in Los Angeles. Since the accident, he had been focusing on his health and recovery, even remaining active as a yoga teacher over the years.

“This is just so horrendous what happened to me, why would I compound this by feeling bad about it?” he told the Los Angeles Times concerning his outlook after the tragic accident.

After graduating from Yale University’s drama school, Obi embarked on his acting career, securing roles in various TV shows such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Wayans Bros., The Jamie Foxx Show, and 3rd Rock from the Sun.

One of his most memorable performances was as Bodie Wells, Joey Potter’s brother-in-law, on Dawson’s Creek. He appeared in the role from 1998 to 2002. Mary-Margaret Humes, his co-star, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram following Obi’s death.

“These words don’t come easy,” she captioned her post. “It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend. You always were and always will be a bright shining light. What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent. I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years. Rest in peace, sweet warrior.”

Obi’s other acting credits include roles in Angel, Star Trek: Voyager, Crossing Jordan, NYPD Blue, The West Wing, and NCIS: Los Angeles. Beyond his acting career, he founded the non-profit Arts Alliance for Humanity, an organization aimed at supporting arts education in public schools and communities.