Who is Still Alive from the Original Star Trek?
Hello there, fellow Trekkies! You've found your way here because you're curious about the cast of the original Star Trek series and who's still with us. Well, grab a cup of raktajino and let's dive in! We'll explore the lives of the iconic crew members, their notable works, and, of course, who's still beaming up to the final frontier. Guys, explore more in Status Updates and who is still alive from the original star trek.
The Original Series Cast
The original Star Trek series, created by Gene Roddenberry, debuted in 1966 and introduced us to a diverse and talented cast. Let's meet the crew and find out who's still alive and kicking.
Captain Kirk and Spock
William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk)
William Shatner, our daring and charismatic Captain Kirk, is still going strong at 90 years old! Born in 1931, Shatner has had an impressive career spanning over six decades. After Star Trek, he's appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including T.J. Hooker, Boston Legal, and Sharknado. He's also an accomplished author, with several books to his name. Shatner continues to make public appearances and conventions, always ready to share his love for Star Trek with fans.
Leonard Nimoy (Spock)
Leonard Nimoy, who brought the iconic half-Vulcan, half-human Spock to life, passed away in 2015 at the age of 83. Nimoy had a remarkable career, not only as an actor but also as a director, poet, and musician. He reprised his role as Spock in several Star Trek movies and even directed a few. Nimoy's legacy lives on through his memorable performances and his iconic catchphrase, "Live long and prosper."
The Enterprise's Bridge Crew
DeForest Kelley (Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy)
DeForest Kelley, who played the empathetic and sometimes gruff Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy, passed away in 1999 at the age of 79. Kelley was a beloved actor who also appeared in several Star Trek movies after the original series. He was known for his warmth and kindness both on and off-screen.
James Doohan (Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott)
James Doohan, our beloved Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott, passed away in 2005 at the age of 85. Doohan was a veteran actor who served in World War II and lost a finger during his service. He wore a glove to hide his injury, which became a part of Scotty's iconic look. Doohan reprised his role as Scotty in several Star Trek movies and even had a small part in the 2009 Star Trek reboot.
George Takei (Hikaru Sulu)
George Takei, who played the helmsman Hikaru Sulu, is still alive and kicking at 84 years old! Takei has had a long and varied career, from acting to writing, and even activism. He's been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community and has advocated for social justice issues. Takei has also appeared in several Star Trek movies and even had a recurring role in the TV series Heroes.
Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura)
Nichelle Nichols, who played the communications officer Lt. Uhura, passed away in 2022 at the age of 89. Nichols was a trailblazer, being one of the first African American women to play a significant role on television. She reprised her role as Uhura in several Star Trek movies and even had a recurring role in the TV series Heroes. Nichols was also a passionate advocate for space exploration and worked with NASA to encourage minority involvement in the space program.
Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov)
Walter Koenig, who played the young and eager Pavel Chekov, is still alive and well at 85 years old! Koenig has had a prolific career, appearing in numerous TV shows and movies. He reprised his role as Chekov in several Star Trek movies and even had a recurring role in the TV series Babylon 5.
The Animated Series and Movies
The original Star Trek cast reunited for an animated series in the 1970s and several movies throughout the decades. Here's a quick rundown of their involvement:
- Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1975): Shatner, Nimoy, Kelley, Takei, Nichols, and Koenig all reprised their roles for this animated series. - Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979): The cast reunited for this feature film, with the exception of Kelley, who had a small role due to his other commitments. - Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982): The entire original cast returned for this iconic film, which is often considered one of the best Star Trek movies. - Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984): The cast reunited once again for this sequel to The Wrath of Khan. - Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986): The original cast returned for this comedy-adventure, which sees the Enterprise crew traveling back in time to the 20th century. - Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989): The cast reunited for this film, which sees them investigating an alien planet and its mysterious power source. - Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991): The original cast returned for this film, which explores the end of the Cold War in the Star Trek universe.
The Legacy of the Original Star Trek Cast
The original Star Trek cast left an indelible mark on popular culture and science fiction. Their performances and the themes explored in the series continue to inspire generations of fans and creators. The cast's legacy lives on through the numerous Star Trek movies, TV series, and even theme park attractions that have followed in the decades since the original series first aired.
So, there you have it, fellow Trekkies! A rundown of the original Star Trek cast and who's still with us. It's been a pleasure sharing this information with you, and I hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane. Live long and prosper!