Rene Auberjonois doesn't sound like Odo. Listening to the actor speak at a convention or in one of his many non-Trek television/movie/theater appearances, there is little trace of the shapeshifting security chief's signature growl. It's a testament to Auberjonois' chameleon-like skills that he virtually disappears into the character, even going so far as to create an entirely new, distinctively gruff and gravelly voice when needed.

As Odo, Auberjonois had what is perhaps one of the most varied and epic character arcs in Star Trek history. When we were first introduced to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's constable, one thing was readily apparent — he was a character unlike any we'd seen before. Odo functioned as a detached observer of humanity (a role previously inhabited by the likes of Spock and Data), but he was also the only one of his kind — the origins of his species were unknown. Little did we know that this would become a major plotline for both the character and the series itself. After discovering his species, the Founders, at the beginning of the third season, Odo soon learned that these Changelings were a cruel, conquering race, the leaders of Gamma Quadrant mega-power the Dominion. Over the next few years, as the Dominion War arc unfolded, Odo became a major focus on the show. He confronted his own blossoming human traits, finding love with Kira and developing an entertaining love/hate relationship with Quark, but he could never quite deny that he was still an outsider. Odo's final decision — to cure his people by joining the Great Link — remains one of the most touching moments in the series' history.

In addition to DS9, Auberjonois boasts a long list of colorful credits. He helped found the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, the Mark Taper Repertory in Los Angeles and the Brooklyn Academy of Music Repertory Company in New York, and acted in many theatre productions. He won a Tony for his work on Broadway in the musical "Coco," with Katharine Hepburn. Auberjonois has also appeared numerous times on the big screen — notable credits include "M*A*S*H" (he was Father Mulcahy before William Christopher), "Batman Forever," "The Ballad of Little Jo" and "The Patriot," to name a few.

And of course, before he became "Odo" he had a part in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" as "Colonel West." However, he did not appear in the original version of the film as seen in theaters. His two scenes, as a militaristic Starfleet officer who turns out to be a conspirator, were deleted in the theatrical cut, but then restored for the VHS, laserdisc and DVD releases (scenes which altered the story somewhat — turns out no Klingons were part of the conspiracy, but rather it was Colonel West in Klingon disguise who attempted to assassinate the Federation President).

In addition, Auberjonois has done extensive voice work for many TV, movie and videogame projects, going back all the way to The Jetsons. His French roots came through most memorably as "Chef Louis" in Disney's "The Little Mermaid." He was also heard in the 2000 TV movie musical "Geppetto" alongside Brent Spiner, and he has followed that up with "Geppetto's Secret," which is still in production, co-starring Armin Shimerman. He's been in numerous cartoon series including House of Mouse, The Legend of Tarzan, Justice League, Xiaolin Showdown and most recently, Avatar: The Last Airbender. He also intoned his "Odo" voice again for the straight-to-DVD Family Guy movie "Stewie Griffin - The Untold Story," in a scene where Stewie (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) filled in as "Quark."

But audiences mainly recognize Rene for his on-screen TV work. Prior to DS9, he spent six years in the Emmy-nominated role of "Clayton Endicott III" on the hit series Benson. Since DS9 concluded, he's made numerous guest spots all over television. In 2000 he appeared in Stargate SG-1 as the leader of a subterranean human civilization. He's had recurring roles in Frasier, Judging Amy and The Practice. And in the first season of Enterprise he guest-starred as "Ezral" in the episode "Oasis."

And then in 2004, Rene took a recurring role in a little David E. Kelley show known as Boston Legal starring one William Shatner. Playing the part of "Paul Lewiston," Rene was soon promoted to full principal cast member, and he continues to co-star with Shatner as the show prepares for its fourth season.

At age 67, Rene is the oldest cast member of post-Original Series Star Trek (older than Patrick Stewart by a few weeks), and thankfully he's not slowing down a bit. He even makes a point of finding time to reconnect with Odo fans and reminisce about DS9 at frequent convention stops. This year he'll be back in Las Vegas at Creation Entertainment's big bash there August 9-12, and then he'll be in Houston for Vulkon Entertainment's Sci-Fi Expo, September 21-23.

STARTREK.COM would like to wish Rene Auberjonois a very Happy Birthday, and many thanks for contributing your vast talent to the Star Trek universe.

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