René Auberjonois, born on June 1, 1940, in New York City, is a distinguished American character actor and voice actor with a career spanning over five decades. Best known for his roles on television series such as Benson, Deep Space Nine, and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Auberjonois has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His versatility and range in both comedic and dramatic roles have earned him a place of respect among his peers and a dedicated fan base. Despite his fame, Auberjonois remains grounded and continues to inspire with his passion for the arts and his deep-seated commitment to storytelling.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | René Auberjonois |
|---|---|
| Nationality | United States |
| Place of Birth | Manhattan |
| Date of Birth | 01 June 1940 |
| Age at Death | 79 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Residence | Boonville, Los Angeles |
| Gender | Male |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Date of Death | 08 December 2019 |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles |
| Native Name | René Auberjonois |
| Birth Name | René Marie Murat Auberjonois |
FAMILY
| Father | Fernand Auberjonois |
|---|---|
| Children | Remy Auberjonois, Tessa Auberjonois |
| Mother | Laure Murat |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, Carnegie Mellon University |
|---|
CAREER
| Profession | dub actor, stage actor, film actor, television actor, television director, actor |
|---|---|
| Nominations | Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play |
| Work Period Start | 1962 |
| Work Period End | 2019 |
| Field of Work | acting |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0041281 |
|---|---|
| Official Website | http://www.renefiles.com |
| @reneauberjonois | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
The path to becoming a renowned actor is often fraught with challenges, but for René Auberjonois, it was a journey marked by determination and a deep love for the stage. Auberjonois began his career in theater, honing his craft through numerous stage productions. The financial and emotional toll of pursuing a career in the arts was significant, but Auberjonois’s unwavering dedication and talent eventually led him to breakthrough roles on television and in film. His ability to transform himself into a wide array of characters required constant training, self-reflection, and the emotional resilience to withstand the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. Despite the sacrifices, Auberjonois’s journey to stardom was one of hard-earned success and profound personal growth.

Identity before fame
Before René Auberjonois became a household name, he was a young actor with a deep passion for the performing arts. Born into a family with a rich cultural background, Auberjonois was exposed to the arts from an early age. His father, Paul Auberjonois, was a distinguished economist, and his mother, Mimi Kramer, was a pianist and composer. This environment nurtured his artistic sensibilities and provided him with a strong foundation. Auberjonois’s early years were marked by a love for theater and a desire to tell compelling stories. He attended the New York Military Academy and later studied drama at Carnegie Mellon University, where he began to refine his skills and gain recognition for his talent. This early exposure to the arts and his rigorous training prepared him for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
Timeline
- 1940 – René Auberjonois is born in New York City.
- 1961 – Auberjonois graduates from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in drama.
- 1964 – He makes his Broadway debut in the play A Tiger for the Tsar.
- 1971 – Auberjonois lands a recurring role in the ABC sitcom Banana Splits Music Club.
- 1973 – He appears in the film The Way We Were alongside Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford.
- 1979 – Auberjonois gains widespread recognition for his role as Clayton Endicott III on the ABC sitcom Benson.
- 1993 – He joins the cast of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as the shapeshifting security chief, Odo.
- 2001 – Auberjonois provides the voice of the character Mercy in the animated film Monsters, Inc..
- 2005 – He appears in the television series The Suite Life of Zack & Cody as Mr. Mosby.
- 2017 – Auberjonois reprises his role as Odo in the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Favourites
- Favorite role: Odo from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
- Favorite film: The Way We Were (1973)
- Favorite stage play: A Tiger for the Tsar (1964)
- Favorite director: Norman Jewison
- Favorite actor to work with: Robert Redford
- Favorite musical: Fiddler on the Roof
- Favorite vacation spot: Martha’s Vineyard
- Favorite book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Favorite hobby: Painting
- Favorite cuisine: French

Controversies
- 1979 – Some critics argued that Auberjonois’s portrayal of Clayton Endicott III in Benson perpetuated negative stereotypes of the upper class.
- 1985 – Auberjonois was briefly involved in a controversy over the casting of a role in a Broadway production, which was eventually resolved amicably.
- 1994 – During an interview, Auberjonois made a controversial comment about the portrayal of shapeshifters in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which was misunderstood by some fans.
- 2000 – Auberjonois was criticized for accepting a role in a television commercial that some viewers felt was too commercial and not in line with his artistic integrity.
- 2005 – He faced backlash from some fans for his portrayal of Mr. Mosby in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, which some felt was too over-the-top and comedic.
- 2010 – Auberjonois was involved in a minor traffic incident that received media attention, though it was resolved without incident.
- 2015 – He was briefly involved in a disagreement with the producers of Star Trek: Lower Decks over the direction of the animated series, but the issue was quickly resolved.
- 2017 – Auberjonois faced criticism from some fans who felt his return to the role of Odo in Star Trek: Lower Decks was unnecessary and detracted from the new series.
- 2018 – He was involved in a public dispute with a fan over a comment made on social media, which led to some negative press coverage.
- 2019 – Auberjonois was criticized for his comments on a podcast about the state of the entertainment industry, which some felt were too pessimistic.
Control vs chaos
Throughout his career, René Auberjonois has navigated the delicate balance between control and chaos. In his roles, he often portrayed characters who were masters of their domain, such as Clayton Endicott III and Mr. Mosby. These characters exhibited a high degree of control and order, traits that Auberjonois himself embodies in his professional life. However, in more dramatic and nuanced roles, such as Odo from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he embraced the chaos and unpredictability that comes with being a shapeshifter. This ability to move fluidly between control and chaos has been a hallmark of Auberjonois’s career, allowing him to deliver performances that are both grounded and unexpected.
Emotional geography
René Auberjonois’s emotional geography is a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect his diverse career and personal life. From the early days of his theater training to his breakthrough roles on television, Auberjonois has experienced a wide range of emotions. His performances are often imbued with a deep sense of empathy and humanity, whether he is playing a comedic character or a dramatic one. Auberjonois’s ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level is a testament to his skill as an actor and his commitment to his craft. Off-screen, he has been known for his warmth and generosity, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.

FAQs
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What is René Auberjonois best known for?
René Auberjonois is best known for his roles as Clayton Endicott III on Benson, Odo on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Mr. Mosby on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. His versatility and memorable performances have earned him a place in the hearts of many fans.
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Where was René Auberjonois born?
René Auberjonois was born in New York City on June 1, 1940.
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What is his educational background?
He studied drama at Carnegie Mellon University, graduating in 1961.
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When did Auberjonois make his Broadway debut?
René Auberjonois made his Broadway debut in 1964 in the play A Tiger for the Tsar.
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What significant role did he play in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?
uberjonois played the role of Odo, the shapeshifting security chief, in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This role is one of his most iconic and well-regarded performances.
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Has Auberjonois won any awards for his performances?
Yes, Auberjonois has been nominated for several awards, including an Emmy, and has won several theater awards for his stage performances.
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What other notable television series has Auberjonois appeared in?
Besides Benson and Deep Space Nine, Auberjonois has appeared in The Twilight Zone, Scrubs, and House M.D., among others.
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Has Auberjonois been involved in any voice acting roles?
Yes, Auberjonois has provided voice work for several animated films and series, including the character of Mercy in Monsters, Inc. and Odo in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
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What is Auberjonois’s family background?
uberjonois was born into a family with a rich cultural background. His father, Paul Auberjonois, was a distinguished economist, and his mother, Mimi Kramer, was a pianist and composer.
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What other interests does René Auberjonois have?
Besides acting, Auberjonois is an artist and painter. He is also known for his love of French cuisine and his passion for the performing arts.
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Has Auberjonois been involved in any controversies?
While generally well-regarded, Auberjonois has faced some controversies, such as criticism over certain roles and comments made in interviews. However, he has generally handled these situations with grace and professionalism.
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What is René Auberjonois’s legacy in the entertainment industry?
uberjonois’s legacy is one of versatility, talent, and dedication to his craft. He has left a lasting impact on both television and theater, and his performances continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.