Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
While Gates McFadden has an impressive number of credits to her name, she is best known, and most loved, for her portrayal of Dr. Beverly Crusher in the Star Trek series and four of its films. When her time in the Star Trek universe was up, McFadden never wanted acting work, taking roles in a number of films and TV shows.
What you might find more surprising is, that she also turned her skills to teaching. McFadden has graced the halls of a number of prestigious academies and universities, including Harvard, Purdue and the University of Pittsburgh, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and Hamburg’s Stella Academy. She is one talented lady!
Kurtwood Smith as Annorax
For many, Kurtwood Smith’s face is far more synonymous with various refrains on the theme of his foot going into someone’s rear end—all thanks to his role as Red Foreman on the wildly popular series, "That 70s Show." Yet, long before this role brought him international recognition, Kurtwood Smith was popping up in various roles within the Star Trek franchise.
A bit of a sci-fi fan, Smith has also made appearances in "The X-Files" and "Rick & Morty." His CV is a mile long, featuring many major films and TV shows. To some of us though, he will always be the stern, cranky, and hilarious Red Foreman.
Rene Auberjonois as Constable Odo
Member of the shapeshifting race of Changelings, Odo was definitely one of our favorites from "Deep Space Nine." His unique characteristics allowed him to have startling insight into human values and ethics; something you don’t always expect to be enlightened with when watching TV. The actor who brought Odo to life for us, René Auberjonois, had an impressive career, both before and after his time with Star Trek.
He originated the character of Father Mulcahy, who was played by William Christopher in the TV series, "M*A*S*H." You may have seen Auberjonois in "NCIS," "The Good Wife," and "Sleepy Hollow." He also had a stack of voicing credits to his name, in films, games, and animated TV series. In late 2019, he sadly passed away.
Avery Brooks as Commander Benjamin Sisko
Avery Brooks was a regular on the set of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," gracing our screens from 1993 to 1999 as Commander Benjamin Sisko. Like Nichelle Nichols, who came before him, Brooks’ role in Star Trek was a momentous one. While the civil rights movement had been underway for some time, Brooks was the first African-American to take a leadership position in Star Trek history.
Having truly made his mark on the show, Brooks went on to enjoy a varied career in film, television, theater, music, and teaching. He also continued his work in civil rights, directing the annual National Black Arts Festival and working with the Smithsonian on their Black American Culture Program.
Leonard Nimoy as Spock
From one legend of Star Trek to another, it would be impossible to imagine the Star Trek universe without Spock. Leonard Nimoy was responsible for the creation of one of the most loved characters in the franchise’s history. From the pilot episode, filmed way back in 1964, to his final appearance in 2013, the part human, part Vulcan science officer was a definite mainstay of the show.
While Nimoy enjoyed an abundant film and television career outside of Star Trek, in the minds and hearts of fans, he would always be Spock. While the character may have been the highlight of his career for many, it’s worth noting that Nimoy was also an accomplished director, author, and musician. Star Trek fans were devastated in 2015 to discover Nimoy had passed away due to a severe medical condition.