Remembering Clifton Jones

We're sorry to learn of the recent passing of Space: 1999's Clifton Jones, who passed away on June 4th, aged 87. Clifton was best known in the worlds of Anderson for his role as Moonbase Alpha's computer specialist, David Kano. Clifton appeared in 23 of Space: 1999's first series of 24 episodes.

Clifton Jones was born in St. Andrew, Jamacia in July 1937. He moved to England in 1958 and studied acting at the Italia Conti Academy in London before spending his National Service in the Royal Air Force. After pursuing an initial career on the stage, he became a regular face on British television in a variety of guest roles throughout the 60s and 70s, including Dixon of Dock Green (1962), Danger Man (1965), Z Cars (1970), The Persuaders! (1971), Jason King (1971), and many more. He was also a series regular on Emergency-Ward 10 (1961-62) and Orlando (1965).

In 1974, Jones would gain his most successful role, albeit by chance. The role of Moonbase Alpha's computer specialist was initially given to American actor and singer Lon Satton. Satton would only play Benjamin Ouma in Space: 1999's debut episode; Breakway. Satton's inability to get on with the series' cast, in particular Martin Landau, resulted in Clifton being swiftly parachuted in as Satton's replacement. Jones makes his first appearance as Kano in A Matter of Life and Death, the second episode to be produced, and would be one of Moonbase Alpha's most regularly seen faces through the first series.

Clifton's portrayal of David Kano gifts Space: 1999 with one of its more modestly vivid personalities. Behind the star presence of Landau's Commander John Koenig and Barbara Bain's Dr Helena Russell, Kano is one of several of the base's senior operatives who are vital to the continued survival of Moonbase Alpha as they journey through the perilous phenomena of deep space. Kano's specialist expertise in computer programming make him invaluable to the base, while his stoic defence of Alpha's computerised systems and amusingly sarcastic sense of humour make him a distinctly likeable presence.

Kano's calmly calculated sense of logic is at odds with Space: 1999's regular string of cosmic profundities. From becoming ensnared in the siren-esque thrall of Piri to staring down cosmic oblivion from a black sun by squaring off against Dr Mathias in a game of chess, Kano is involved in some of Space: 1999's deadliest dangers.

Unfortunately, Clifton Jones would become one of several of Moonbase Alpha's regular faces culled from Space: 1999's extensive retooling for its second series, gone with no explanation for his character's whereabouts or fate. His post-Space: 1999 career would see him appear in Survivors (1977), The Professionals (1978-79), a series regular on 1990 (1977), Star Trek: The Next Generation (1991), and several further roles. Jones also appeared in a variety of films throughout his career, including The V.I.P.s (1963), Watership Down (1977), and Sheena (1984).

Clifton would recall his time on Space: 1999 in hugely fond terms, becoming friends with much of the Year 1 cast. Speaking at the SpaceCon convention in Ohio, 1978, he summarised Space: 1999 as "an intelligent, professional, technical, well put together piece of space fantasy about the relationships between people, and imaginative concepts about what could be and what could happen in space. I was very fortunate to take part in that program."

Amidst a long-lasting and eclectic acting career, Clifton Jones portrayed one of Space: 1999's most fondly regarded characters. Our thoughts are with Clifton's family and friends during this time.