Every Notable ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ Actor Who Died

‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ became a classic thanks to its talented cast and memorable guest stars. Sadly, many of those performers have passed away, but their characters and episodes continue to be beloved by fans. This collection honors those actors and actresses, listing who they played on the show, where else you might recognize them, and the dates of their passing, allowing you to appreciate their lasting impact on ‘Star Trek’ and beyond.

Leonard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy is best known for his role as Spock in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and several subsequent movies. He popularized the Vulcan salute and the saying “Live long and prosper.” Beyond acting, Nimoy also directed and wrote for other projects, and he shared his life story in his autobiographies. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 83.

DeForest Kelley

DeForest Kelley was best known for playing Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy on Star Trek, bringing a distinctive warmth and witty personality to the role. He was part of the original series and continued the character in the Star Trek movies. Before Star Trek, Kelley had a long career acting in Westerns and appearing as a guest star on various TV shows. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 79.

James Doohan

James Doohan became incredibly well-known for his role as Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott, the chief engineer who constantly saved the Enterprise from disaster. He didn’t just play the character; he also developed Scotty’s distinctive voice and accent. Doohan often appeared at fan events and enjoyed connecting with future engineers who were inspired by his portrayal. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 85.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols, famous for playing Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ was a pioneer for diversity on TV. Beyond acting, she collaborated with NASA to encourage people from all backgrounds to become astronauts and was a strong advocate for science education. She continued to appear as Uhura in the ‘Star Trek’ films, and passed away in 2022 at the age of 89.

Majel Barrett

Majel Barrett was a familiar face and voice in the Star Trek universe. She famously played Nurse Christine Chapel in the original series, and later provided the voice for the computer in several Star Trek shows. She also portrayed Lwaxana Troi in both ‘The Next Generation’ and ‘Deep Space Nine,’ and contributed to the franchise as a producer. Barrett passed away in 2008 at the age of 76.

Grace Lee Whitney

Grace Lee Whitney was best known for playing Yeoman Rand on the original ‘Star Trek’ series, and she reprised the role in several of the subsequent movies. She remained popular with fans, often attending conventions and sharing stories about her time on the show. Whitney had a career in film and television that spanned before, during, and after ‘Star Trek,’ and she passed away in 2015 at the age of 85.

Mark Lenard

Paul Lenard first became known as a Romulan Commander in ‘Balance of Terror,’ and later played Sarek, Spock’s father. He even had a role as a Klingon captain in ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture.’ Through these diverse characters, he helped bring together different aspects of both Vulcan and Federation history. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 72.

Ricardo Montalbán

As a longtime sci-fi fan, I always remember Ricardo Montalbán as the chillingly brilliant Khan. He first graced our screens in the Star Trek episode ‘Space Seed,’ and then returned for a truly memorable role in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. What many might not realize is that Khan wasn’t just a villain – he was a product of the Eugenics Wars, a genetically engineered super-human. Beyond Star Trek, Montalbán had a long and impressive career in film and television. It was sad to hear of his passing in 2009, at the age of 88, but his performances continue to resonate with audiences today.

Jeffrey Hunter

Majel Barrett Hunter was the first actress to portray Number One, and she originated the role in the original ‘Star Trek’ pilot, ‘The Cage,’ which was later adapted into the two-part episode ‘The Menagerie.’ She starred alongside the original pilot cast before the series continued with a new captain. Hunter also appeared in several well-known films during the 1950s and 60s, and sadly passed away in 1969 at the age of 42.

Yvonne Craig

Actress Craig was known for playing Marta in the series Whom Gods Destroy and, famously, Batgirl on television. Throughout her career, she appeared in films and made guest appearances on many popular TV shows. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 78.

Celia Lovsky

Judith Lovsky, known for playing T’Pau in Star Trek: Amok Time, was instrumental in establishing the visual style of Vulcan rituals. She brought a sense of grace and formality to the first-ever on-screen Vulcan wedding. A veteran performer, Lovsky worked in both European theatre and American film before her death in 1979 at the age of 82.

Arlene Martel

Joanne Martel played T’Pring in the iconic Star Trek episode “Amok Time,” creating the situation that challenged the friendship between Spock and Captain Kirk. She also acted in several other popular TV shows of the 1960s and 70s. Fans often met her at science fiction conventions, making her a beloved figure in the Star Trek community. Martel passed away in 2014 at the age of 78.

Susan Oliver

I’ll always remember Barbara Oliver as Vina – she played her in both the original ‘The Cage’ and the updated version in ‘The Menagerie.’ But she was so much more than that one role! She had a really diverse career in TV and movies, and incredibly, she also became a pilot! She even broke some aviation records, which is amazing. It’s sad she passed away in 1990 at just 58, but her legacy lives on.

Roger C. Carmel

Roger Carmel famously played the scheming Harry Mudd in the original Star Trek episodes “Mudd’s Women” and “I, Mudd.” The character reappeared in animated series and later updated versions of Star Trek. Carmel was a versatile performer, known for his unique comedic timing in both television and stage roles. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 54.

John Colicos

John Colicos is best known for playing the Klingon commander Kor, first appearing in the original ‘Star Trek’ episode ‘Errand of Mercy.’ He later returned to the role in ‘Deep Space Nine,’ connecting different periods of the ‘Star Trek’ universe. Beyond ‘Star Trek,’ Colicos had a diverse acting career in film and television in both the United States and Europe. He passed away in 2000 at the age of 71.

Michael Ansara

Michael Ansara famously played the Klingon captain Kang in the Star Trek episode “Day of the Dove.” He continued to portray Kang in subsequent Star Trek series, helping to develop the rich history of the Klingon race. A versatile actor, Ansara enjoyed a long and successful career on stage, in television, and in film. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 91.

William Windom

James Doohan played Commodore Matt Decker in the iconic Star Trek episode, “The Doomsday Machine,” which set a new standard for dramatic tension and leadership challenges within the series. A veteran television actor with a long career, including a starring role in a well-known legal drama, Windom passed away in 2012 at the age of 88.

Bruce Hyde

James Hyde was an actor best known for playing Lieutenant Kevin Riley in two episodes of the original Star Trek series, ‘The Naked Time’ and ‘The Conscience of the King’. After acting, he became a professor and public speaker, and continued to connect with fans through appearances at science fiction conventions. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 74.

Robert Walker Jr.

Bruce Walker played Charlie Evans in the Star Trek episode “Charlie X,” offering an early depiction of a young person with extraordinary power. He continued acting in both movies and television throughout the 1960s and 70s, and his family had connections to several well-known people in Hollywood. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 79.

Jane Wyatt

Jane Wyatt portrayed Amanda Grayson, Spock’s mother, in the Star Trek episode “Journey to Babel,” bringing warmth and humanity to the Vulcan character’s family. A seasoned actress with a history of award-winning roles, her performance was key to highlighting the differences between Vulcan and human cultures. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 96.

William Schallert

Clint Howard, known as Nilz Baris in the classic Star Trek episode ‘The Trouble With Tribbles,’ had a long and successful career as a television actor, appearing in countless shows over many years. He was also a leader in the acting community, serving as president of a major performers guild. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 93.

Ian Wolfe

Actor Wolfe was known for roles like Mr. Atoz in ‘All Our Yesterdays’ and Septimus in ‘Bread and Circuses.’ He had a strong stage presence that he brought to many different characters. His career spanned decades, from the earliest silent films to television shows in the modern era. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 95.

Whit Bissell

Whit Bissell played the station manager Lurry in the Star Trek episode “The Trouble With Tribbles.” He was a familiar face in science fiction, appearing in many films and TV shows. Bissell often portrayed characters of authority and had a strong on-screen presence. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 86.

Lee Bergere

Actor Paul Bergere portrayed Abraham Lincoln in the Star Trek episode, “The Savage Curtain.” He often played historical characters on stage and television, bringing a sense of authenticity to his roles. His appearance on Star Trek added a notable historical figure to a later episode in the series. Bergere passed away in 2007 at the age of 88.

Eddie Paskey

Actor Charles Paskey played Lieutenant Leslie and was a regular presence in many episodes of the series, becoming a well-known face on the Enterprise bridge. He often attended fan conventions, where he enjoyed sharing stories about his time on set. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 81.

Tell us about your favorite acting moments from the original ‘Star Trek’ series! We’d also love to know which episodes you enjoy watching again and again.

2025-10-21 11:26