Obi Ndefo, the talented actor celebrated for his roles as Bodie Wells on “Dawson’s Creek” and Rak’nor on “Stargate SG-1,” has died at the age of 51. Ndefo, who honed his craft at Yale Drama School, made a significant impact on television with his memorable performances.
Ndefo first gained recognition for his portrayal of Bodie Wells, the charismatic chef on the popular teen drama “Dawson’s Creek.” Over the course of the show’s six seasons, he appeared in ten episodes, becoming a beloved character among fans. His role as Rak’nor in “Stargate SG-1” further solidified his place in science fiction history, where he played a key figure in the Jaffa rebellion.
In addition to his standout roles on “Dawson’s Creek” and “Stargate SG-1,” Ndefo made appearances on notable TV series such as “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “The Wayans Bros.,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Angel,” “NYPD Blue,” and “The West Wing.” His career demonstrated a wide range of acting skills and versatility.
In 2019, Ndefo faced a life-altering challenge when he was severely injured in a hit-and-run accident, resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. Despite this, his resilience shone through as he returned to his work as a yoga teacher within months and made a return to acting with a role on “NCIS: Los Angeles” in 2021.
Reflecting on his accident, Ndefo said, “When I saw how [the accident] impacted so many people, it gave me rejuvenated purpose as a storyteller and a teacher,” in a 2020 interview with YaleNews.