JUNE 9, 2023 – He had his hands in multiple areas of film and television – acting, writing, and producing. He was teaching a screenwriting workshop in Jamaica, according to The Hollywood Reporter, when his life was unexpectedly cut short. Deadline is reporting that Paul Eckstein died in his sleep on June 6 at the age of 59.

Star Trek fans will know Eckstein from his seven appearances behind heavy prosthetics in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager, including his role as the Klingon Morak in Voyager’s season seven episode, “Prophecy.”

Outside of Star Trek, his work included co-creating and executive producing Godfather of Harlem, writing for Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Dead Zone, and acting in Law & Order and 413 Hope St. (Memory Alpha notes that his Law & Order appearance was his television debut and paired him with DS9’s Andrew Robinson in the episode, “Consultation.”)

Eckstein was born and raised in Brooklyn and graduated with honors from Brown University. He was a founding member of the Naked Angels Theater Company and worked on Broadway and Shakespeare in the Park. His MGM+ bio notes that he “also produced live fundraising events for the non-profit Project ALS where he raised over 17 million dollars.”

His family said in a statement, “As we bid farewell to the brilliant force and light that was Paul Eckstein, we honor the multifaceted man who demonstrated an unwavering love for his family, a deep curiosity and compassion for humanity, and a commitment to sharing stories that opened the hearts and minds of the world.”

Please join us offering our condolences to the friends and family of Paul Eckstein.