Bibi Besch; Longtime TV, Film Actress

Bibi Besch, 56, actress who moved from soap operas to prime-time television shows and motion pictures. Born in Vienna, Besch immigrated to the United States as a child and later attended Connecticut College. After many years in such shows as “The Secret Storm” and “The Edge of Night,” she graduated to prime-time miniseries’ like “Backstairs at the White House” and weekly favorites such as “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Charlie’s Angels” and “The Rockford Files.” She was twice nominated for an Emmy--in 1992 for “Doing Time on Maple Drive” and in 1993 for a recurring role in “Northern Exposure.” She also appeared in “E.R.,” “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” and “Coach.” In film, she was best remembered as Dr. Carol Marcus in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” Her other films include “Steel Magnolias,” “Betsy’s Wedding” and “Who’s That Girl.” Besch was active in the Screen Actors Guild, working on several committees to increase health benefits and roles for women. On Sept. 7 in Los Angeles of cancer.