The universe of Star Trek has always been about exploring uncharted worlds and challenging what’s possible. But for fans, it’s just as much about the unforgettable people who breathed life into its stories. Over the years, the Trek family has said goodbye to some of its brightest stars—artists whose performances continue to inspire. Here’s a look back, counting down in reverse, at twelve remarkable cast members we’ve lost, and why their legacies endure.
12. James Darren (Vic Fontaine, Deep Space Nine)
James Darren, who added charm and a golden voice to Deep Space Nine as holographic lounge singer Vic Fontaine, died on September 2, 2024, at age 88. First identified as a teen idol of the 1950s, Darren’s stint on DS9 added warmth, wit, and a dash of Old Hollywood flair to the later seasons.
11. Patti Yasutake (Nurse Ogawa, The Next Generation)
Patti Yasutake, who was beloved for her quiet and empathetic presence as Nurse Ogawa, passed away on August 5, 2024, at age 70 after fighting cancer. Whether caring for wounded crew or assisting senior staff, her presence was a subtle but essential member of the Enterprise-D family.
10. Obi Nedefo (Various Roles, Voyager & DS9)
Actor Obi Nedefo, who had several roles throughout Voyager and Deep Space Nine, passed away in late August 2024 at the tender age of 51. Outside of Star Trek, fans recognized him as Bodie on Dawson’s Creek. On Trek, his boundless energy and facility for playing any role brought every character vividly to life.
9. Rene Auberjonois (Odo, Deep Space Nine)
Rene Auberjonois, the talented actor who brought stoic yet humanly complex shapeshifter Odo to life, passed away on December 8, 2019. With a résumé of over 225 credits, his work as Odo—entangled between duty, identity, and love—stands as one of the most richly nuanced character developments in Star Trek.
8. Aron Eisenberg (Nog, Deep Space Nine)
Aron Eisenberg, who created Nog, the first Ferengi in Starfleet, died on September 21, 2019. In spite of a lifetime of health issues, Eisenberg brought humor, grit, and heart to Nog, crafting a character whose development reflected the best of Trek ideals.
7. Anton Yelchin (Pavel Chekov, Kelvin Timeline Films)
Anton Yelchin’s on-screen performance as Pavel Chekov in the J.J. Abrams Star Trek movies infused the franchise with youthful vitality and appeal. His life was senselessly abbreviated at the age of only 27 in a freak accident on June 19, 2016—mere weeks before the opening of Star Trek Beyond.
6. Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura, The Original Series)
Nichelle Nichols, who became a trailblazer playing Lt. Uhura, passed away on July 30, 2022, at the age of 89. Her character broke barriers for Black women on television, and her real-life work with NASA encouraged generations to reach for the stars. Nichols’ pioneering presence and classed performance continue to be an inspiration in science fiction.
5. Grace Lee Whitney (Yeoman Janice Rand, The Original Series)
Grace Lee Whitney, who played Yeoman Janice Rand, died on May 1, 2015. Although she appeared in the original series for only a short time, her later movies and willingness to share her triumph over personal issues made her popular among decades of fans.
4. Leonard Nimoy (Spock, The Original Series)
Leonard Nimoy, the forever Spock, passed away on February 27, 2015, due to complications of COPD. Beyond defining Vulcan society and helming Trek movies, he provided fans with the lasting icon of “Live Long and Prosper.” During his later years, he was an influential force for health education.
3. Majel Barrett-Roddenberry (Multiple Roles)
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry—Number One, Nurse Chapel, Lwaxana Troi, and the voice of Starfleet computers—passed away on December 18, 2008. Dubbed the “First Lady of Trek,” she had her ashes launched into space along with her husband, creator Gene Roddenberry, so their last travel together was between the stars.
2. James Doohan (Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, The Original Series)
James Doohan, fondly the clever engineer Scotty, died on July 20, 2005. A decorated World War II veteran, Doohan added humor and determination to the character. In a poetic nod, some of his ashes were secretly loaded onto the International Space Station—launching “Scotty” into space in real life.
1. DeForest Kelley (Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy, The Original Series)
DeForest Kelley, the gruff yet lovable Dr. McCoy, passed away on June 11, 1999. His sarcasm and empathy made Bones one of the favorites in Trek, and Kelley was always close to fans until his death.
Though these master performers are gone from us, their performance, energy, and the universes they contributed to remain an inspiration. To quote Star Trek itself, they will live long and prosper in the hearts of fans everywhere.