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.
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.
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!
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.
Stephen Collins as Commander Willard Decker
Long before he preached from our TV screens as the squeaky clean father and Protestant minister in "7th Heaven," Stephen Collins was a Trekkie. He played Commander Willard Decker in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," which was released way back in 1979.
Since then, Collins enjoyed the aforementioned "7th Heaven" success and appeared in a number of other TV shows and Hollywood films along the way. He even became a published author at some point in his career. His success has been somewhat disrupted, following some allegations against him, which have all but put his acting career to an end.