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.
Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean Luc Picard
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.
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!!!!!"
Ethan Peck as Spock
In 2018, Ethan Peck took on the daunting task of playing Spock. He is the third actor honored with the chance to fill Leonard Nimoy’s ears in the Star Trek metaverse. He first played Spock in “Star Trek: Discovery,” appearing in the second season of the series.
He hit the screen as everyone’s favorite Vulcan in the Paramount+ original series, “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” (2022). The summer streaming stood up to fan expectations. The fans are incredible, he says. At Trekkie conventions, he is overwhelmed at how the phenomenon that is Spock is something so much bigger than himself.
Stephanie Niznik as Kell Perim
Stephanie Niznik was a talented actress who can trace her success back to her college years. She earned a Master’s in fine arts from Duke University. Niznik played the Trill alien Kell Perim in the 1998 movie, “Star Trek: Insurrection.” In 2002, she appeared as a shape-shifting telepathic Wraith in the opening episode of “Star Trek: Enterprise,” called “Rogue Planet.”
Besides her work on Star Trek, she was known for starring in “Everwood” as Nina. But it was her role as Caitlin Sweeney on “Diagnosis: Murder” that launched her career. Sadly, Niznik passed away under unexpected circumstances in 2019. She was only 52 years of age.