Babylon 5 - Why 'Sinclair' left the show

[Starkers]

Jan, I'm just repeating what others have said but thanks for posting this.

 

[Neroon]

This seems to be as appropriate a place as any to post this link. Most B5 fans are aware of the sobering tributes to Richard Biggs and Andreas Katsulas create by the brilliant John Hudgens. Well, he has crafted a simple, straightforward dedication to all of those in the B5 family who have passed on. It was unveiled just this past weekend at Phoenix.
[yt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=C5KlNEh2Yo4[/yt]

John Hudgens told me that our hearts would break when I saw him before the reunion panel. He was true to his word. Many of the cast were very emotional after seeing it.

Jan

The wisest move he made on this video was to include everyone he could, not just the most significant names.

 

[sidious618]

Oh, that's so sad what happened to him. I loved O'Hare and have always been saddened that he didn't get a bigger career after B5 but now it makes sense. Damn shame and it's lovely of JMS to support him as he did.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

And the destiny of the character makes sure he is never a footnote "this guy was the leader in season 1 but he left..".

 

[Orac Zen]

I never much cared why he left, but learning the facts behind his departure... Sobering, sad, but inspiring as well. I'm now even more thankful I had the opportunity to see Mr O'Hare at a con several years ago.

Thank you for posting this, Jan.

I'll delay my viewing of the tribute video for a while, I think.


On the other hand, I wouldn't have thought my opinion of Doyle could go much lower, but it has.

 

[Sindatur]

On the other hand, I wouldn't have thought my opinion of Doyle could go much lower, but it has.

Yea, he did great playing Garibaldi, but, it seems Bester's paranoia conditioning may have had lasting effects on Jerry Doyle's pysche

Thanks for posting this Jan

 

[EmoBorg]

It is very sad to hear about on why he left.

 

[Quinton O'Connor]

Thank you for sharing this, Jan.

 

[The Nth Doctor]

Not quite on the subject of Michael O'Hare, but for those who are interested, video of two-hour reunion panel is now online.

 

[kirk55555]

That tribute video was great. Having only watched B5 for the first time recently (and really enjoying it) I didn't know some of the people had died. It was a very well done video.

 

[Brolan]

Yes, thanks very much. Threads like this are one of the reasons I come to this board.

 

[Turtletrekker]

Having only watched B5 for the first time recently (and really enjoying it)...

Wait, you enjoyed something? ALL RIGHT, WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH kirk55555?!?

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

Video of JMS talking about Michael O'Hare's departure now up:

http://youtu.be/4yjOsaa7XL4

 

[Shaka Zulu]

I have to admit, when I just saw the thread title, and not the OP's name, I did an eye roll and thought, "Not this again." I was not expecting this.

Thanks, Jan, for sharing that. Too often we're inundated by celebrities that use and abuse their fame (Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, etc.), and of course, all the stories people have of sci-fi actors, who, when people meet them are rude, etc.

I never much cared why Michael O'Hare left the show, save I always knew it wasn't because of his ability as an actor. I fully believe he played Sinclair the way JMS wanted, and that the so-called "woodenness" of his acting, was a choice, considering who Sinclair is and what he went through.

This story speaks to courage, trust, and friendship. It also speaks to what made Babylon 5 so great, it had a creator who, while focused on the product, was also concerned with those who were behind it.

Now that I know, I'm even more saddened than I was before-what happened to him sounded like what really happened to Edward Platt (the 'Chief' on Get Smart) and what we now know was the real reason for George Reeves committing suicide that nobody but his co-star Jack Larson could face-he was depressed.

And yet, I'm relieved about this revelation, as we all now know the actual truth, and don't just believe that it was typical actor bullcrap on his part. Thank you, Jan and Mike.

On the other hand, I wouldn't have thought my opinion of Doyle could go much lower, but it has.

Yea, he did great playing Garibaldi, but, it seems Bester's paranoia conditioning may have had lasting effects on Jerry Doyle's psyche.

More like neocon paranoia at the USA not being what he wants it to be and also not having his career go the way it should, I'd say.

 

[Jan]

More like neocon paranoia at the USA not being what he wants it to be and also not having his career go the way it should, I'd say.

Much as I dislike Jerry Doyle, I have to say that I think he sticks with each career he's had for exactly as long as he wants to. He's been a stock broker, a pilot, an actor, a politician, author and now a long-time talk radio host.

JMS posted a link to video of the serious part of the panel last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utUTN16rrEc

Jan

 

[Reverend]

I have to admit (somewhat shamefully) that when I read Jan's original post, the first thought that crossed my mind was along the lines of "what do you know, Doyle was right. He really was a "nut".

I'm not saying I agree with that assessment, but on balance it seems that his accounts of O'Hares erratic behavior were at least honest...that is to say honest from his particular vantage over on Planet Jerry. I suppose what I'm getting at is that while he may be a self centered, over opinionated git, he at least appears to be and an honest self centered, over opinionated git. The truth after all, really is a three-edged sword.

 

[Jan]

Well...technically, it's "Understanding is a three-edged sword". Your side, their side and the truth in the middle.

Enough about him. I'm just glad that Michael had true friends like JMS, Kathryn Drennan, Sandra Bruckner and others who cared and who tried to help him. They're the ones who deserve attention but never sought it. I'm grateful that I got to hang out with Sandy a bit during the convention.

Jan

 

[Reverend]

Well...technically, it's "Understanding is a three-edged sword". Your side, their side and the truth in the middle.

I stand corrected, but my point stands.

Enough about him. I'm just glad that Michael had true friends like JMS, Kathryn Drennan, Sandra Bruckner and others who cared and who tried to help him. They're the ones who deserve attention but never sought it. I'm grateful that I got to hang out with Sandy a bit during the convention.

Jan

OK, this is a little more personal than I usually like to get but...yeah, speaking as someone with a family history of mental illness and having been witness to a full-on mental breakdown/departure from reality, one very nearly so and numerous episodes of paranoid schizophrenia (all different people--pardon the pun) I can totally appreciate and respect what O'Hare went though and what it took for those that stood by him to help him though it all.

We can all only hope that at our lowest times there'll be someone there to help us back up again and dust us off..

 

[JoeD80]

I'm not saying I agree with that assessment, but on balance it seems that his accounts of O'Hares erratic behavior were at least honest...that is to say honest from his particular vantage over on Planet Jerry.

I'd say it's just that stories contain grains of truth.

I'm just glad that Michael had true friends like JMS, Kathryn Drennan, Sandra Bruckner and others who cared and who tried to help him.

Also Mira Furlan and John Flinn.