The Kelvin Timeline’s Sarek, actor Ben Cross, has died. A piece from Deadline yesterday reported that Cross’s family confirmed the news that Cross passed away in Vienna on Tuesday, August 18th, after a short illness. He was 72 years old.

Star Trek fans will best know Cross as the actor who played Spock’s father Sarek in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek reboot. While he played a seminal character for the Star Trek franchise, the role of Sarek was merely one point in Cross’ extended and laudable acting career, which spanned five decades.

Cross was born in England in 1947, and studied at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts before embarking on a stage career. In 1977, he made his film debut in the World War II epic A Bridge Too Far. Cross is perhaps best known for his leading role as Harold Abrahams in the Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire, but he also had memorable roles in films such as First Knight with Sean Connery and Richard Gere, and TV series such as the 1991 reboot of Dark Shadows.

Cross is survived by his third wife, Deyana Boneva Cross, and his two children, Theo and Lauren. Please join me in sending condolences to Cross’ family.