Here’s something you probably don’t know about your favorite Emergency Medical Hologram. The actor who played the role, Robert Picardo, was all set to become a real-life doctor before he took a complete 180 and went into acting instead. After graduating from William Penn Charter School, Picardo launched into Yale, ready to take on life as a pre-med student. But the drama department was calling to him and, unable to resist, Picardo changed his course, eventually graduating from Yale with a drama degree rather than a medical one!
Given his history, it’s such a beautiful turn of events that Picardo went on to take the Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH) role on Star Trek. More commonly referred to as “The Doctor,” Picardo’s EMH character popped up in the “Star Trek: Voyager” films. Since then, he’s enjoyed a fruitful acting career with roles in film and television, and on Broadway.
Jennifer Lien as Kes
When you play a character whose species is only known to live for nine years, you kinda know it’s going to be a short-lived affair! This was the case for Jennifer Lien, who played Kes in "Star Trek: Voyager," from 1995 to 1997. Kes was an Ocampan and, while blessed with telepathy, was not blessed with the longest of lifespans.
Still, Lien relished the role and made friends among her fellow Star Trek cast members during the years she made Kes her own. After retiring from the show, Lien had plenty of success finding other roles but decided to step away from acting in 2002.
Celeste Yarnall as Yeoman Martha Landon
Celeste Yarnall had a small role in Star Trek, appearing in an episode titled “The Apple” way back in 1967. While her role may have been comparatively small, she was remembered for it and, much to the delight of superfans, popped back up in 2006, in "Star Trek: Of Gods and Men."
Celeste enjoyed a certain amount of success in film and television during the 60s and 70s, even appearing in one of Elvis Presley’s films. Once again, her role was small but memorable. The beautiful young actress starred as a party-goer who caught Presley’s eye and inspired him to sing “A Little Less Conversation.” As her acting career began to fade, Yarnall wisely moved into real estate, where she turned into a huge success. In October 2018 she passed away after a long and hard battle.
Anthony Montgomery as Ensign Travis Mayweather
Anthony Montgomery graced the decks of the USS Enterprise at the same time and for the same 98-episode duration as Dominic Keating. The Indianapolis native had already been building a solid acting career, with appearances in both film and television, when he was cast as Ensign Travis Mayweather in "Star Trek: Enterprise."
After his role came to an end, Montgomery dabbled in stand-up comedy for a while. He continued his acting work while also developing his skills as a graphic novelist. He’s currently enjoying a regular starring role on the ABC soap opera, "General Hospital," in which he plays Andre Maddox.
Whoopi Goldberg as Guinan
Whoopi Goldberg’s role was an interesting one. She played Guinan, from the El-Aurian race, who spend their time listening to the universe. Guinan’s home planet was decimated by the Borg (a cyborg species who like to destroy things), turning her into a refugee.
After a long life in the Star Trek universe, Goldberg’s career took off and, along with being a household name, she is now the proud owner of Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards. Goldberg blazoned her name in the history books with her Oscar win, as it was only the second one ever to go to a black woman. Lately, Goldberg has chilled out on the acting, instead happily settling into a co-hosting spot on "The View."