'Lethal Weapon 3' star Alan Scarfe, who 'wanted to be a classical actor,' dies at 77 from colon cancer

QUEBEC, CANADA: Alan John Scarfe aka Alan Scarfe died from colon cancer on April 28, 2024, as reported by People.

The British-Canadian actor, known for his roles in 'Lethal Weapon 3' and 'Double Impact,' has passed away at his home in Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, at the age of 77.

According to his obituary, Scarfe was predeceased by his parents and his brother Brian, who succumbed to the same disease. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, who died from cancer on August 11, 2019.

Alan Scarfe ‘wanted to be a great classical actor’

Alan Scarfe, born on June 8, 1946, in Harpenden, England, migrated to Canada with his parents and brothers, eventually establishing their residence in Vancouver.

He began a prolific and lifelong career as an actor and director after attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art from 1964 to 1966. 

Scarfe performed in over 100 major stage roles across Europe and North America, including works by William Shakespeare and Arthur Miller. 

“I wanted to be a great classical actor in the long tradition of Burbage, Garrick, Kean, Booth, Olivier,” he said in a 2007 interview with The Sci-Fi World. “Forty-five years ago when I began, it was still possible to think in such a romantic, idealistic way.” 

Scarfe made his film debut in 1963 with 'The Bitter Ash' and went on to have memorable roles in 'Double Impact' (1991) and 'Lethal Weapon 3' (1992), as well as appearances in TV series like 'Seven Days' and 'Star Trek: The Next Generation.' 

Alan Scarfe’s personal life

Scarfe encountered his wife, the late actress Barbara, at the Stratford Festival in Canada, and they tied the knot in 1979, remaining together for 40 years until her passing in 2019.

Furthermore, his obituary stated, "He is survived by his beloved daughter, Tosia, and son-in-law, Austin, who lived with and cared for Alan up until his death, and without whom Alan ‘would have been lost.’"

It also mentioned that he leaves behind his brother Colin, son Jonathan Scarfe, and his cherished grandchildren Kai and Hunter Scarfe, both of whom are university students, with Kai attending the University of Victoria and Hunter studying at McGill.

Alan Scarfe’s awards and achievements

His obituary noted that Scarfe received numerous awards throughout his career, including the 1985 Genie Award, a 2005 Jessie Award, a 2006 Austin Fantastic Fest Jury Prize, and the Vancouver Film Critics Circle honorary award for lifetime achievement. 

According to PinkVilla, Scarfe was also an author. He published his debut novel, 'The Revelation of Jack the Ripper,' in 2017, and later wrote the 'Carnivore Trilogy,' which includes 'The Vampire of Juarez,' 'The Demons of 9/11,' and 'The Mask of the Holy Spirit.'

Internet mourns for the loss of Great actor, Alan Scarfe

Following the news of actor Alan Scarfe's death, many internet users have flooded the comment section to share their thoughts and condolences on Facebook.

One said, "He was very EXCITED man." [sic]

Another wrote, "Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of talented actor Alan Scarfe for their loss.  Our prayers and hearts are with you at this time. A very sad 😢 day for the film 🎞️ world." 

One more user dubbed him as a "Great Actor."

A user said, "My Condolences to his family Rip." Another said, "Rest in peace."

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