Patrick Stewart’s glistening dome is practically synonymous with “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Stewart has been appearing on stage, in films and on television for nearly six decades now. Originally hailing from the UK, Stewart spent the 80s working in the American film and television industry.
While his portrayal of Captain Picard made him a cultural icon, much like his colleague William Shatner, Stewart had an equally monumental role waiting for him after his Star Trek days faded. For some, the X-Men franchise is as big of a deal as Star Trek, and no one could’ve played Professor Charles Xavier like Patrick Stewart. Though we can’t say for sure if she’s a Star Trek or an X-Men fan, we can tell you the late Queen Elizabeth II knighted Patrick Stewart in 2010 for his massive contribution to the dramatic arts.
Nana Visitor as Kira Nerys
Fans who tuned in for the Star Trek adventures of the 90s will surely recognize Nana Visitor, aka Kira Nerys. This character was most definitely a product of her generation. Appearing in the show from 1993 to 1999, Kira Nerys was a freedom fighter turned terrorist who fought to free her homeworld, the planet Bajor, from the Cardassians.
Not to be confused with the Kardashians our world is overrun by today, the Cardassians were an alien race who had taken over the crucial planet. For her brilliant work in this role, Nana Visitor was deemed “Best Actress in a Syndicated Series” at the OFTA Television Awards. Since taking her leave of the Star Trek universe, Visitor has enjoyed regular work in film and television.
Aron Eisenberg as Nog
Aron Eisenberg was an American actor that played the beloved character of Nog in all seven seasons of the spinoff series, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." Even though he was most famously known for his Star Trek role, Eisenberg appeared in several movies and TV shows over the years.
These included "The Wonder Years," "Tales From the Crypt," and "General Hospital," just to name a few. Only to the knowledge of his biggest fans, Eisenberg was also a professional photographer and opened his own gallery around 2012. Sadly, the beloved Eisenberg passed away on September 21, 2019. He was only 50 years old.
Manu Intiraymi as Icheb
Much like Seven of Nine, Icheb was assimilated by the Borg at a young age but later freed (as much as possible), with a combination of implant removal and counseling. Actor, Manu Intiraymi, filled this role both in "Star Trek: Voyager" and in the fan film, "Star Trek: Renegades."
Outside of Star Trek, Intiraymi has enjoyed steady work in film, television, and theatre. He’s appeared in major shows, like "One Tree Hill," but also has a thing for Indie films. Last we heard of him, he was working on a film called "The Circuit." And in 2016, he appeared in the low-budget film "Unbelievable!!!!!"
Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov
Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry introduced the young Russian character, Pavel Chekov, to even out the age ranges in the show and appeal to a younger audience. Only two actors ever got to audition for the part. The reason? Well, the moment Roddenberry saw Walter Koenig, he knew he had his man. Koenig was the spitting image of Davy Jones, arguably the most popular member of the band, The Monkees.
Roddenberry and his crew put all their hopes in Koenig, and the charismatic young actor didn’t let them down. With his good looks, broad smile, and talent for acting, he was a brilliant addition to the Star Trek cast. Koenig’s career flourished, even after Star Trek, and he has spent a good half-century of his life appearing in films, on the stage, and in various television roles.