Nicholas Lea

In the 1990s, Nicholas Lea became a kind of New Judas archetype of American science fiction, a slick-talking, homicidal grifter in a suit who became the-guy-you-love-hate for millions of fans of "The X-Files" (Fox, 1993-2002). The native Canadian with classic GQ good looks and mesmerizing stare first established a regular presence on American television as a police officer in the Stephen J. Cannell-produced Vancouver-shot ABC cop drama "The Commish" (1991-95). When "The X-Files" arrived in town in 1993, he would join a number of Cannell veterans to be tapped for duty as the sci-fi show grew from cult fave to multimedia phenomenon. Lea played duplicitous FBI agent-cum-traitor-cum-alien-host-cum-rebel Alex Krycek. As the character recurred throughout the series, Lea saw his star rise in his home country, netting him some starring roles in low-budget Canuck productions. He would establish his own series imprint on Canada's CTV network in the John Woo-produced "Once a Thief" (1997-98). His X-bona fides would help him tap a rich vein of sci-fi genre projects, including major featured recurring parts on "Andromeda" (Sci Fi Channel, 2000-05) and "V" (ABC, 2009-2011), and played the shadow-agent heel again in the teen sci-fi mystery "Kyle XY" (ABC/ABC Family, 2006-09). Still, for so many of this genre's fans, Lea would remain the ever-scheming, silver-tongued Krycek, a.k.a. "Ratboy," on his way to minor Canadian heartthrob status.