Tom Troupe, a veteran character actor with a prolific career spanning decades on stage and screen, passed away at the age of 97.

While perhaps not a household name, Troupe’s contributions to television and film left a lasting mark, particularly for fans of iconic franchises like “Mission: Impossible” and “Star Trek.

” His passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to the performing arts.

Though he never achieved leading-man status, Troupe’s commanding presence and versatile acting ability made him a sought-after character actor.

His roles often involved authority figures, scientists, or men of discerning intellect – showcasing his ability to portray both gravitas and subtle humor.

Troupe's appearances in “Mission: Impossible” are particularly memorable to fans of the classic series.

He brought a quiet intensity to his roles, lending credibility to the often outlandish plots.

Similarly, his contributions to the “Star Trek” universe, though perhaps less prominent than some of his other work, added to the rich tapestry of characters that populate the franchise's diverse storylines.

Details of his specific roles in these shows are often recalled with fondness by longtime viewers, who appreciated his consistently reliable performances.

Beyond his television credits, Troupe enjoyed a thriving stage career, cementing his reputation as a respected and versatile actor.

His decades-long commitment to acting demonstrated a passion for his craft that extended far beyond commercial success.

The news of Tom Troupe's passing has been met with sadness by many in the entertainment community, who remember him not only for his impressive body of work but also for his dedication, professionalism, and quiet dignity.

While he may not have been a star in the traditional sense, his contributions to some of television’s most enduring franchises will ensure he remains remembered as a vital supporting player in the stories that captivated audiences for generations.

Tom Troupe, the veteran stage and screen actor who appeared in dozens of TV shows over the course of a decadeslong career, died Sunday morning, his representative confirmed. He was 97.

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Troupe moved to New York in 1948 to pursue a career in acting. But he first would serve in the Korean War, earning a bronze star, according to his representative. After his service, Troupe returned to New York and made his Broadway debut in 1957 in a production of "The Diary of Ann Frank."

Ten years later, Troupe moved cross country to Los Angeles, where he would go on to appear in more than 70 television shows, usually in single episode roles. 

Notably, Troupe had roles in "Mission: Impossible," "Star Trek," "The Fugitive," "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "The Wild Wild West" and "Cheers."

Troupe also co-wrote and starred in the 1968 movie "Sofi," the film version of a play based on Nikolai Gogol's "Diary of a Madman."

Troupe also continued his stage career, acting in productions of "The Lion in Winter," "Fathers Day" and "The Gin Game," which also co-starred his late wife, Carole Cook, who died in 2023.

Troupe is survived by his son, Christopher Troupe and daughter-in-law, Becky Coulter.