Star Trek is more than just a television show or a film series; it is a cultural icon. It has, for almost six decades, gotten us acquainted with daring concepts, alien worlds, and unique characters. At the same time, we have also lost some of the amazing performers who were the ones to the characters. Their work keeps resonating with the audience, conveying to them that Star Trek is not only a show but also a heritage. Below are the 15 members of the Star Trek cast whose acting still impacts us a long time after they have passed.
15. James Darren (1936–2024) – Vic Fontaine
James Darren, as Vic Fontaine, the suave hologram lounge singer of Deep Space Nine, really made the character a somewhat unlikely fan favorite by combining wit, charm, and warmth to the character. The actor, who was famous not only for Star Trek but also for Gidget and The Time Tunnel, died at the age of 88 in 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy of music, movies, and Trek folklore.
14. Kirstie Alley (1951–2022) – Saavik
Before she gained widespread recognition from Cheers, Kirstie Alley played the Vulcan officer Saavik in The Wrath of Khan. With her precise portrayal, she brought Vulcan customs to the cinema. Although Kirstie Alley passed away in 2022 at the age of 71, her mark on Trek history remains intact.
13. René Auberjonois (1940–2019) – Odo
Rene Auberjonois, who was DS9’s Security Officer, made one of the emotionally most interesting and intelligent characters that were somewhat overlooked, but are certainly among the best, to appear in the Star Trek universe. Apart from that, he also directed several episodes, was a fan favorite at conventions, and left this world in 2019 at the age of 79. It is still possible to feel the ripple of the effect he had on such a wide scope.
12. Anton Yelchin (1989–2016) – Pavel Chekov
Upon meeting Yelchin’s lively version of Chekov in the Kelvin films, it was evident to everyone that his take was absolutely brilliant and instantly made him famous. His sudden demise at the young age of 27 left fans and colleagues in shock. Respectfully, the producers retired his character so that he may rest in peace. His short but shining career will go down in history.
11. Nichelle Nichols (1932–2022) – Nyota Uhura
Nichelle Nichols was a revolutionary both on and off-screen. As Uhura, she mesmerized the audience during thousands of shows, and, off-stage, as a NASA recruiter, she introduced minorities into space travel. Nichols’ death came in 2022 when she was 89 years old. However, her legacy stretches far beyond the final frontier.
10. DeForest Kelley (1920-1999) – Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy
Though he was cranky, DeForest Kelley’s “Bones” was definitely the heart of the original crew. Along with his limited remarks and warmth, Kelley was the essence of Trek’s humor and spirit. DeForest Kelley died in 1999 at the age of 79, but will always be remembered with every “I’m a doctor, not a…” gag.
9. Ricardo Montalbán (1920–2009) – Khan Noonien Singh
No villain of science fiction has ever managed to scare or fascinate so much as Khan, played with evil, explosive magnetism by Ricardo Montalbán. His presence in Space Seed and The Wrath of Khan made him one of the most memorable characters not only in Star Trek but in the whole sci-fi genre. Montalbán passed away in 2009 at 88 years old, but his roar will never fade.
8. Grace Lee Whitney (1930–2015) – Yeoman Janice Rand
Even though it was a short time during the original series, Grace Lee Whitney was able to leave a stamp on the character of Janice Rand. She was also in the later Trek films and talked openly about her own adversity, hence her survivor icon status. She passed away in 2015 at age 85.
7. Mark Lenard (1924–1996) – Sarek and More
Mark Lenard was so brilliant at adapting that he portrayed Spock’s father, Sarek, a Romulan commander, and also a Klingon captain. His character of Sarek, in particular, gave the family storylines in Trek emotional resonance. He died in 1996 at the age of 72, but left multiple generations of Trek with his legacy.
6. Majel Barrett Roddenberry (1932-2008) – Nurse Chapel, Lwaxana Troi, Computer Voice
“The First Lady of Star Trek,” and the very first Number One in the pilot were just some of the many roles that Majel Barrett Roddenberry had throughout the years. Her legacy as the voice of the Starfleet computer continues. She passed away in 2008 at 76 years of age, but was the voice throughout the entire Trek series and movies.
5. James Doohan (1920–2005) – Montgomery “Scotty” Scott
Scotty, of James Doohan’s fame, was perhaps one of the most ingeniously funny characters ever to grace the screen, and through this humor, Doohan was able to keep his fans coming back for more. Doohan died in 2005 at the age of 85, but in memory of him, a few of his remains were taken to space, a place where the final frontier will always be.
4. Leonard Nimoy (1931–2015) – Spock
Leonard Nimoy’s Spock was just a character no more; he was a cultural icon. His delicate performance lines gave Star Trek its very soul, made up of pure logic and always one step closer to being human. Nimoy died in 2015 at the age of 83, and the void left by him is still sensed all over the world, where The Next Generation fans are found.
3. William Campbell (1923–2011) – Trelane, Koloth
Regardless of which character, either the mischievous Trelane or the Klingon warrior Koloth, William Campbell chose to portray, he brought to the fans’ delight energy and laughter into the world of the series. He also reprised the role of Koloth on DS9 before he left this world in 2011, aged 87, going out with a bang of not-to-be-forgotten performances.
2. Paul Winfield (1939–2004) – Captain Terrell, Dathon
Paul Winfield had the privilege of making two unforgettable appearances in Trek. First, as Captain Terrell in The Wrath of Khan, and second, as Captain Dathon in the “Darmok” episode, which is continuously named as one of the best TNG episodes. He died in 2004 at the age of, but his talent speaks volumes in his favor.
1. Aron Eisenberg (1969–2019) – Nog
Nog’s evolution from Ferengi prankster to Starfleet officer is one of the most convincing in DS9, and that is totally because of the really heartfelt performance of Aron Eisenberg. Eisenberg passed away in 2019 at the age of 50, but as the actor playing Nog, he is usually remembered as one of the greatest characters.
Although the stars who have left us are not with us anymore, they can still be felt through the characters they portrayed in the Star Trek universe. Not only in every rewatch, but in every convention, and among all the fans who still find hope, bravery, and encouragement in their work, their memory still lives on. They are the ones who remind us that even though life is temporary, stories and storytellers can really live forever.