32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

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32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

It’s truly fascinating to delve into the illustrious careers of these remarkable actors who graced our screens as iconic Star Trek characters. Each one brought a unique depth and charm to their roles, but it seems they were just scratching the surface of their talents within this galaxy.

If you’re a big fan of Star Trek shows like myself, you might notice some recurring actors. Given the extensive history of TV series and films, it’s no surprise that the franchise has occasionally asked actors to take on different roles. Occasionally, this was fitting for the character, but at other times, it seemed like the franchise had a fondness for working with that particular actor.

Today, we recognize the dual roles these actors played. Some of these talented individuals may be familiar to you, while others might surprise you as they were hidden beneath layers of prosthetics and makeup. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of these versatile actors who donned multiple hats during their tenure in Star Trek.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Brent Spiner

In case you’ve been a fan of “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, you might have noticed that Brent Spiner didn’t just portray the character Data; he played multiple roles. He embodied his synthetic twins Lore and B4, along with various members of the Soong family across different episodes. It’s a delightful recurring theme that fans always enjoy seeing repeat.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Jason Alexander

After departing from the cast of “Seinfeld,” Jason Alexander has taken on several roles within the “Star Trek” universe. Most notably, he portrayed the merchant Kuros in “Star Trek: Voyager” and lends his voice to Dr. Noum in the animated series “Prodigy.” These characters represent distinct personalities from Alexander, offering a fresh perspective for viewers who may not have witnessed this side of him before in more casual settings.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Thomas Kopache

Hey there fellow Trekkies! You might recognize Thomas Kopache from his appearances across the Star Trek universe. He’s played minor roles in The Next Generation, Voyager, Enterprise, Deep Space Nine, and even the movie Star Trek Generations. From a Starfleet communications officer to a Vulcan, you never know where he might show up next!

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Tony Todd

Despite being widely recognized for his part in the movie “Candyman” that involved numerous bee stings, Tony Todd is cherished within the Star Trek universe. He portrayed the recurring character Klingon Kurn in TNG and DS9, an Alpha Hirogen on Voyager, but is often most recalled for his role as the older Jake Sisko in “The Visitor.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Tim Russ

Tim Russ was a cherished member of the main cast on “Star Trek: Voyager” portraying the Vulcan character Tuvok, but his contributions to the Star Trek universe didn’t stop there. He made his initial appearance in “The Next Generation” as the mercenary Devor, and later appeared in “Deep Space Nine” as a Klingon named T’Kar.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Diana Muldaur

In the original “Star Trek” series, Diana Muldaur took on several roles; however, it was in “The Next Generation” where she made her most significant impact on the franchise. Dr. Katherine Pulaski was a temporary addition to the crew of the Enterprise during the absence of Beverly Crusher, and had a brief romantic entanglement with Riker’s father. Fans of Beverly may disagree, but her stay was relatively brief.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Todd Stashwick

Fans of Star Trek: Picard might primarily recall Todd Stashwick as the gruff Captain Shaw from Season 3, yet it’s important to note that his role in the franchise didn’t start there. He previously appeared in a minor part as the Vulcan character Talok in Star Trek: Enterprise. Although this role is less renowned than his portrayal of the anti-hero in Picard, it’s still worth revisiting for a deeper understanding of his versatility within the series.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Kurtwood Smith

Known predominantly for his fiery portrayal of Red Forman in That 70s Show, Kurtwood Smith also made notable appearances in the Star Trek universe. He served as the Federation President in Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country, and took on the role of the fixated captain Annorax in the memorable Voyager episode titled “Year of Hell.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Jeffrey Combs

Among dedicated “Star Trek” fans, there might not be a more recognized guest star. He’s acted in various roles across all series, disregarding the multiple iterations of the Weyoun character from “Deep Space Nine.” There are far too many to list here, but in my opinion, his portrayal of Andorian Shran on “Enterprise” stands out as one of the best.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Ken Mitchell

Actor Ken Mitchell, famous for his diverse roles in both Star Trek: Discovery and Lower Decks, continued to engage with fans despite his ALS diagnosis. Sadly, he was remembered by numerous Star Trek actors and enthusiasts after his passing in February 2024.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Aron Eisenberg

Beyond his remarkable portrayal of Nog in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, actor Aron Eisenberg also made a brief appearance in Voyager. He took on the role of the young Kazon named Kardon in “Initiations,” making it easy for viewers to recognize him in this particular episode once they’re aware of his character.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Robert Duncan McNeill

Before he was the daring and sometimes troublesome Tom Paris on Star Trek: Voyager, Robert Duncan McNeill had played an almost identical character on The Next Generation by the name of Nicholas Locarno. Canonically, they’re just two separate guys who look identical and have very similar personalities, as weird as that may be.  

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Susanna Thompson

Before she stepped in as the Borg Queen in Star Trek: Voyager, actress Susanna Thompson did some smaller guest roles for the franchise. She played roles like a Vulcan and an illusion in The Next Generation and was also a Trill scientist on Deep Space Nine. 

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

J.G. Hertzler

Fans adored the character Martok, portrayed by J.G. Hertzler, on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, but he also took on numerous lesser roles within the series. Similarly, he played minor characters in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and lent his voice to Star Trek: Lower Decks as well.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Majel Barrett

An accomplished actress and the wife of creator Gene Roddenberry, Majel Barrett was in Star Trek from the very beginning. While her role as “Number One” wasn’t resurrected until Star Trek: Discovery and later in Strange New Worlds, she was featured in TOS as Nurse Chapel and was beloved as Lwaxana Troi in TNG and DS9. She also did tons of voice work for the franchise, including the voice of most of the computers up until the modern era. 

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Robin Curtis 

Instead of Kirstie Alley, who was reportedly barred from reprising her role, actress Robin Curtis took over as Saavik in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock. Later, she was invited to join the cast of The Next Generation where she portrayed a Vulcan disguised as a Romulan named Tallera.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

George Murdock

George Murdock significantly contributed to Star Trek with two pivotal characters. He took on the intriguing part of “God” in “Star Trek V: The Voyage Home“, and also portrayed Picard’s friend and Starfleet Vice Admiral J.P. Hanson in “The Next Generation“. With such prominent roles, one might ponder, “Why would an actor seek a third role?

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

John Fleck

John Fleck has frequently appeared in “Star Trek,” but due to his frequent use of prosthetics, fans may not realize this. If they recall watching “Enterprise,” they would likely remember his character, Silik, the Suliban who often presented a challenge to Archer throughout the show’s run.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Malachi Throne

Malachi Throne was there at the very beginning of Star Trek, playing The Keeper in the pilot episode “The Cage.” Throne would be welcomed back in a couple of TOS roles, and wrap up his time in TNG as the Romulan senator Pardek. Malachi passed in 2013, but it’s fair to say he was instrumental in the success of the franchise with his first role. 

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Elias Toufexis

Elias Toufexis played one of the main antagonists L’ak in Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, but that wasn’t the first time he appeared in the series. Go all the way back to Season 1, and he played the criminal Cold, who tried to jump Michael Burnham in the mess hall with another prisoner named Psycho. Not the best thing to be proud of for a role, but at least Toufexis got to play the first unmasked Breen in Trek history, which he was understandably thrilled about. 

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Armin Shimerman

Armin Shimerman brought plenty of laughter as Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, yet his talent extended beyond this iconic role. Interestingly, he portrayed a few other Ferengi characters in TNG, which could explain why some viewers believe all Ferengis exhibit similar mannerisms to him. Additionally, he took on an unusual Betazoid character in the “Haven” episode, although his name wasn’t mentioned among the credits for that role.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Michael Dorn

Michael Dorn is well-known for portraying the Klingon character Worf over more episodes than any other in the “Star Trek” series, a fact that many people remember. However, some may overlook another role he played – Colonel Worf in “Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country.” In this film, his character is not just a military officer, but also serves as an attorney, who is intended to be the ancestor of the future Starfleet character.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

René Auberjonois

In the world of Star Trek, there aren’t many characters as iconic as Odo, and some might be content if that was the only role René Auberjonois ever played before his sad demise. However, he offered more than just Odo, as we can witness in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, where he appears without his prosthetics as Colonel West.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Barbara Babcock

Actress Barbara Babcock, despite having limited roles on the original “Star Trek”, was significantly utilized in the show. Beyond her two live-action characters, she lent her voice to a variety of roles such as Isis, Loskene, and the Zetarians. Her impact can be seen throughout the original series, making her one of the underappreciated guest stars among the group.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Fionnula Flanagan

Fionnula Flanagan, who moved us to tears with her portrayal of the oblivious Android Juliana Tainer in Star Trek: The Next Generation, has appeared elsewhere too. She took on the role of Vulcan diplomat V’Lar in Enterprise, and played Enina Tandro, a former lover of Curzon Dax, in Deep Space Nine.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Clint Howard

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary career trajectory of an actor like Howard. Few can claim to have kicked off their acting journey with a role in “Star Trek” and then revisit it as a grown adult. What makes his performances even more captivating is not just his appearances in the original series, but his recent role in Season 2 of “Strange New Worlds.” Truly, his commitment to a franchise spanning decades is nothing short of remarkable!

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Ethan Phillips

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that Ethan Phillips, who played Neelix in Star Trek: Voyager, was anything but one-dimensional. It’s only natural to wonder about other roles he may have taken on. Indeed, he made a brief appearance as a waiter in First Contact and reappeared later in The Next Generation and Enterprise, both times donning the ears of a Ferengi. Quite an extensive resume for someone who left such an indelible mark on his original series – a testament to his versatility and talent.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Mark Lenard

As a dedicated Star Trek fan, I can’t help but appreciate Mark Lenard. He’s not just known for playing Spock’s father Sarek, but his impact extends far beyond that. I remember him as one of the unnamed commanders in the classic episode “Balance Of Terror.” Plus, who could forget his role as a Klingon Captain in Star Trek: The Motion Picture? Truly, he’s an integral part of the Star Trek universe.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Robert O’Reilly

Robert O’Reilly, best known for his memorable portrayal of wild-eyed Gowron, has also taken on various smaller roles in addition to that. For instance, he played a mobster in “The Next Generation,” an accountant in “Deep Space Nine,” and a particularly unsettling Klingon character in “Enterprise.” However, I’d prefer not to dwell on the latter role because its visual design gives me a bit of a scare.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

James Cromwell

Apart from portraying the significant character Zefram Cochrane in Star Trek, James Cromwell has also taken on a few assorted roles within the series. These include Jaglom Shrek, who resembles a mole rat, from The Next Generation, and Hanok, a Karemma character, on Deep Space Nine.

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Brian Cousins

The actor who terrified Star Trek: The Next Generation fans as the Borg “Crosis” ended up making a couple of appearances as other characters. He played a Romulan named Parem two seasons before his Borg role, and would later be cast in Enterprise to play a character by the name of Paltani in the episode “The Catwalk.” 

32 Star Trek Actors Who Played Multiple Characters

Patrick Kilpatrick

In my opinion, the Imhotep creatures from “Voyager” are among the most intriguing alien characters I’ve encountered in the series, but unfortunately, Patrick Kilpatrick’s character was only given limited screen time for that species. Despite his brief appearance as that species on the show, Kilpatrick also portrayed a Kazon and later made an appearance on “Deep Space Nine” as a soldier during the Dominion War.

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2024-09-13 19:09