Obi Ndefo
Birth dateOctober 29, 1972
Birth placeLos Angeles, California, U.S.
Death dateAugust 28, 2024 (aged 51)
Death placeLos Angeles, California, U.S.
OccupationTelevision actor
Alma materYale University

Obi Ndefo (October 29, 1972 – August 28, 2024) was an American actor and yoga teacher,[1] best known as Bodie Wells on the television drama Dawson's Creek, and for his recurring role as Rak'nor in Stargate SG-1.

Early life and career

Ndefo was born in Los Angeles on October 29, 1972. He was a graduate of Yale University's drama school.[1] Ndefo appeared in episodes of the television series: Angel, The West Wing, The Jamie Foxx Show, Stargate SG-1, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Half & Half, Crossing Jordan, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager.[2]

He was the founder of the Los Angeles-based non-profit 'Arts Alliance for Humanity', which supports keeping arts education in public schools and communities. He was also a writer, yoga teacher and a founder of a non-profit fostering the arts and societal wellness.[3]

Personal life and death

Ndefo was of Nigerian heritage.

In August 2019, Ndefo was in a grocery store parking lot when he was struck by a car whose driver was intoxicated. After the collision, Ndefo lost both legs above the knee.[1][3]

Ndefo died on August 28, 2024, at the age of 51.[4][5] Ndefo's sister Nkem stated Obi died of the eating disorder orthorexia.[6]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1995Star Trek: Deep Space NineDrexEpisode “Way of the Warrior”
The Wayans Bros.Delroy JonesEpisode “Think Fast”
1996The Jamie Foxx ShowAdrianEpisode “Burned Twice by the Same Flame”
1998–2002Dawson's CreekBodie Wells10 episodes
19983rd Rock from the SunEricEpisode “What's Love Got to Do, Got to Do with Dick”
1999AngelBartenderEpisode “Lonely Hearts”
2000–2005Stargate SG-1Rak’nor6 episodes
2000Star Trek: VoyagerProtectorEpisode “Blink of an Eye”
2001Columbo: Murder with Too Many NotesNathaniel MurphyTelevision film
The DistrictMason Avery2 episodes
H.M.O.Television pilot
2002Role of a LifetimeRitchieFilm, Credited as Obi N’Defo
Crossing JordanJoe WheelerEpisode “As If by Fate”
NYPD BlueOfficer CarpenterEpisode “Off the Wall”
2003Filet of 4Short film
Half & HalfMarcusEpisode “The Big Foot in My Mouth Episode”
The West WingDonaldEpisode “Separation of Powers”
2013Vampires in VenicePepperFilm
2017Beauty and the BallerSergio2 episodes
2021NCIS: Los AngelesJoynerEpisode “Fukushu”

References

  1. ^ "Actor Who Lost Legs in DUI Crash Opens Up About Recovery". NBC Los Angeles. 2019-09-17. Archived July 13, 2024 at the Wayback Machine.
  2. ^ "Obi Ndefo". TVGuide.com. Archived 2024-09-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  3. ^ "Column: A hit-and-run nearly ended an actor's life in 2019.". Los Angeles Times. 2019-12-07. Archived 2022-09-24 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2022-08-25.
  4. ^ Zee, Michaela (2024-09-02). "Obi Ndefo, 'Dawson's Creek' Actor Who Lost His Legs After Hit-and-Run Accident, Dies at 51". Variety. Archived 2024-09-02 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
  5. ^ Chidbachian, Alexi (2024-09-02). "'Dawson's Creek' actor Obi Ndefo dead at 51". FOX 11. Archived 2024-09-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
  6. ^ Zee, Michaela (September 2, 2024). "Obi Ndefo, 'Dawson's Creek' Actor Who Lost His Legs After Hit-and-Run Accident, Dies at 51". Variety. Retrieved November 6, 2024.