Last Living STAR TREK: TOS Director, Ralph Senensky, Dies Age 102

by

Ralph Senesky, a director for the original Star Trek series, has passed away at the age of 102, as reported by Comic Book Resources. While he may not be a household name, Senesky directed six episodes of the beloved sci-fi show and was the last surviving director from the original 79-episode run. His episodes included “This Side of Paradise” (season one), and “Metamorphosis,” “Obsession,” and “Bread and Circuses” (season two). He also directed “The Omega Glory,” “There Is in Truth No Beauty,” and “The Tholian Web” during season three.

His favorite episode to direct was an early installment called “This Side of Paradise,” which was the first time viewers saw Spock display his emotions. Actor Leonard Nimoy was so touched by the episode, he wrote to Senesky, praising him as a skilled and insightful director who made him feel secure – a rare experience on television. Senesky went on to direct many other television shows, and his final directing credit came at age 90 with the short film The Right Regrets.

It’s hard to believe how few people are still with us who were part of the very beginning of Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry, the brilliant mind behind it all, passed away years ago, back in 1991. And Gene L. Coon, who truly built the Trek universe as we know it – he gave us the Klingons, Khan, even the name of the Federation and the Prime Directive – he died so young, at just 49. It’s heartbreaking that he never got to see how massively popular Star Trek became. So much of the original cast is gone too, leaving only George Takei, Walter Koenig, and the incredible William Shatner. There’s even talk that Paramount would love to have Shatner reprise his role as Captain Kirk – can you imagine? At 94! I really hope it happens, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Read More

2025-11-04 02:03