An apparatus for reciprocating an engine valve between open and closed positions in an internal-combustion engine includes an electromagnetic actuator having first and second mutually spaced electromagnets for generating electromagnetic forces; and an armature disposed between the first and second electromagnets and movable in response to the electromagnetic forces. The armature is operatively coupled to the engine valve to cause it to reciprocate between its open and closed positions. First and second gas springs are coupled to the armature for opposing the electromagnetic forces generated by the first and second electromagnets, respectively. A pressurized gas source supplies the first and second gas springs with pressure and a control arrangement varies the pressure in the first and second gas springs. A positioning spring is coupled to the engine valve for moving the engine valve into its closed position when the first and second gas springs are in a depressurized state.