Actor, broadcaster and opera singer Jan Rubes, who brought to life one of the most memorable guest characters in the early years of Stargate SG-1, has passed away.  Rubes played Nicholas Ballard, Daniel Jackson’s grandfather, in the third season episode “Crystal Skull.”

The family of the Czech-born actor announced his death at age 89 on Tuesday.  No cause of death was released.

Rubes appeared in more than 40 feature films, after getting his big break when he was cast opposite Harrison Ford in the 1985 film Witness.

In 2000’s “Crystal Skull,” he played an archaeologist who had been committed to a mental institution after he claimed that an ancient artifact discovered in South America had transported him to a place where he met “giant aliens.”  His story turned out to be true, and Daniel was reconciled with his grandfather — who had chosen not to raise him after Daniel’s parents had been killed.

The episode left the character as one of Stargate‘s most talked-about loose ends, as Nick is left on the alien planet as Earth’s ambassador to a race of incorporeal beings who consider themselves fellow enemies of the Goa’uld.

Jan Rubes is survived by his wife, actress Susan Douglas, sons Jonathan and Tony and three grandsons. Read more about his distinguished career at CBC News.

(Thanks to Aengus and Sheena for the tip)