TV Actor From Popular ’90s Show Dies at 51

Obi Ndefo, a beloved character from “Dawson’s Creek,” tragically passed away at the age of 51.

At a Glance

Actor Obi Ndefo, recognized for his roles in “Dawson’s Creek” and “Stargate SG-1,” has died at age 51.
His death, due to orthorexia, was announced by his sister, Nkem Ndefo, on social media.
Ndefo had lost both legs in a 2019 accident but remained positive and active in his community.
The family is raising awareness and funds for research on autoimmunity and eating disorders.

Passing of a Television Stalwart

Obi Ndefo, best known for his role as Bodie Wells on the hit series “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at the age of 51. The actor passed away on Wednesday, August 28, in a Los Angeles hospital due to complications from orthorexia, an eating disorder. This news was confirmed by his sister, Nkem Ndefo, who shared the announcement on social media. Nkem revealed that Obi’s struggle with orthorexia had begun with a rigorous raw vegan diet centered more on controlling food than achieving health.

Long-lasting Impact on Television

Ndefo’s death marks a significant loss for the television industry. He gained fame for his portrayal of Bodie on “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2002. He was also recognized for his role as the Jaffa warrior Rak’nor on “Stargate SG-1” from 2000 to 2005. His other credits included appearances on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “The Wayans Bros.,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “Angel,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “NYPD Blue,” and “The West Wing.”

Ndefo was a talented actor, but his contributions extended beyond screen acting. He was a founder of the Los Angeles-based non-profit Arts Alliance for Humanity, which supports arts education in public schools and communities. He was also a yoga teacher and advocate for healthy living, continually inspiring others despite his personal challenges.

Obi Ndefo, 'Dawson's Creek' Actor Who Lost His Legs After Hit-and-Run Accident, Dies at 51 https://t.co/SLocXk8B92

— Variety (@Variety) September 2, 2024

A Personal Tragedy and Resilience

In 2019, Ndefo’s life took a tragic turn when he was involved in a hit-and-run accident caused by a drunk driver, resulting in the loss of both his legs. Despite this, Ndefo remained optimistic and actively engaged with his community. “This is just so horrendous what happened to me, why would I compound this by feeling bad about it?” he stated in an interview with the L.A. Times.

Ndefo’s positive outlook helped him in his recovery process. He credited his rapid recovery to his love and fascination with healthy foods, as he shared in an interview with Meet The Biz With David Zimmerman. “I almost died and it’s a miracle I’m still alive. I credit my love of and fascination with healthy foods to my rapid recovery,” he said.

Despite the severity of his accident, Ndefo continued to work on various projects and maintained his role as a yoga instructor for twice-exceptional children. His resilience and dedication to his craft and community serve as an inspiration to many.

Obi Ndefo, who played Bodie Wells on "Dawson's Creek," has died. The 51-year-old passed away five years after he lost both of his legs in a car accident. https://t.co/2MCTQktmhj

— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) September 1, 2024

Raising Awareness and Tribute

Nkem Ndefo and the family have taken steps to raise awareness about orthorexia and its devastating effects. “As his family, we share this news to bring attention to orthorexia’s severity and in the hopes that those suffering from this devastating disease receive the compassionate care they deserve,” they expressed in an official statement. They are actively raising funds through the National Eating Disorder Association for research on the connection between autoimmunity and eating disorders.

“Heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he’s finally at peace,” Nkem stated, highlighting the emotional weight of this loss on their family.

Mary-Margaret Humes, Obi Ndefo’s co-star from “Dawson’s Creek,” paid tribute to him on Instagram, saying, “These words don’t come easy. It’s hard for me to conceive that you have left us, my dear friend. You always were and always will be a bright shining light. What an example of pure unfiltered love and tenacity you set as you faced life’s challenges of recent. I will cherish all of our messages of love and support to each other over the past few years. Rest in peace sweet warrior.”

As the entertainment industry mourns this significant loss, Obi Ndefo’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched, his body of work, and the ongoing efforts to understand and combat orthorexia.