Mira Furlan, the talented actress known for her roles as Danielle Rousseau on Lost and Delenn on Babylon 5, passed away on 20 January 2021 at the age of 65. Her death was a result of complications from West Nile virus. Furlan’s Twitter account announced the news, and her manager, Chris Roe, provided a statement to EW.
In the statement, Roe expressed his sadness and shared fond memories of Furlan. He described her as a woman full of kindness, strength, and compassion. Furlan passed away peacefully at her home in Los Angeles, surrounded by her family. Roe emphasised that although she is no longer with us, her life and legacy will continue to be celebrated.
Michael Straczynski pays tribute
J. Michael Straczynski, the creator of Babylon 5, penned a heartfelt tribute to Furlan on social media. He reminisced about the time she auditioned for the sci-fi series while her home country of Yugoslavia was going through turmoil. Despite the civil war and death threats, Furlan’s dedication to her art and fearlessness shone through.
It is a night of great sadness, for our friend and comrade had gone down the road where we cannot reach her. But as with all things, we will catch up with her in time, and I believe she will have many stories to tell us, and many new roles to share with the universe. pic.twitter.com/HyQlqyC19v
— J. Michael Straczynski (@straczynski) January 22, 2021
During their first meeting, Straczynski learned about Furlan’s experiences as part of a touring theatre group that defied borders and continued performing despite the country’s disintegration. He admired her courage and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with someone who fought ceaselessly for her art.
From Yugoslavia to Hollywood
Born in Yugoslavia, Furlan established herself as a renowned actress in her home country before emigrating to the United States in 1981. One of her most notable performances was in the film When Father Was Away on Business, which received Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for Best International Film in 1985.
Furlan’s breakthrough in American television came in 1993 when she landed the role of Delenn, the Minbari ambassador, in Babylon 5. Straczynski admired her ability to convey the struggles of her homeland without explicitly mentioning them in her character’s speeches. This subtle approach reflected Furlan’s talent and added depth to her portrayal.
A memorable journey to the island
In 2004, Furlan made her mark on the hit TV series Lost, where she portrayed the enigmatic character Danielle Rousseau. Her appearance in the ninth episode of the first season left a lasting impression on both the audience and the show’s creator, Damon Lindelof. In an Instagram statement, Lindelof expressed his gratitude for Furlan’s contribution to the show and bid her a final farewell as Danielle Rousseau “moves into the light.”
Furlan’s last on-screen appearance was in the 2020 web series Space Command. Throughout her career, she showcased her immense talent and left a lasting impact on both the Yugoslavian and American entertainment industries. Her work will continue to inspire future generations of actors and artists.
Mira Furlan’s passing is a loss for the entertainment world and a reminder of her extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft. Beyond her roles on screen, she was a symbol of strength and fearlessness. Furlan’s legacy will be cherished, and her impact will resonate for years.
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