Who's Still Alive from the Original Star Trek Cast? A Reunion of Iconic Actors

Hello, Trekkies! You've found your way to the ultimate guide on who's still alive from the original Star Trek cast. We're diving deep into the galaxy of the USS Enterprise to catch up with our favorite crew members. So, grab your phasers and let's set a course for the past – and present! Guys, explore more in Status Updates and who is still alive from original star trek.

The Original Series: A Brief Recap

Before we beam down to the present, let's take a quick look back at the original series that aired from 1966 to 1969. Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) introduced us to the adventures of the starship USS Enterprise, captained by the legendary James T. Kirk (William Shatner). The crew included:

- Spock (Leonard Nimoy), the logical Vulcan first officer and science officer. - Dr. Leonard H. McCoy (DeForest Kelley), the ship's chief medical officer. - Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott (James Doohan), the chief engineer. - Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), the communications officer. - Lieutenant Sulu (George Takei), the helmsman. - Ensign Chekov (Walter Koenig), the navigator. - Lieutenant (later Commander) Janice Rand (Grace Lee Whitney), the yeoman.

Now, let's see who's still with us from this incredible cast.

William Shatner: Captain Kirk Lives On

Captain, we have a live one! William Shatner, who played the iconic Captain James T. Kirk, is still very much alive and active. At 90 years old, he continues to captivate audiences with his unique perspective on life, the universe, and everything in between. Shatner has stayed true to his Star Trek roots, appearing in various Star Trek series and movies, and even hosting the documentary series The Captains. He's also an author, advocate for animal rescue, and a passionate equestrian. Live long and prosper, indeed!

Leonard Nimoy: The Original Spock

Fascinating. Leonard Nimoy, who brought the logical Vulcan Spock to life, passed away in 2015 at the age of 83. However, his legacy as Spock lives on, inspiring generations of Trekkies and influencing pop culture. Nimoy reprised his role in multiple Star Trek movies and TV series, and even directed several episodes of the original series. He was also a talented musician, releasing multiple albums and even performing a song on an episode of The Simpsons. Nimoy's final on-screen appearance was in the 2013 film Star Trek Into Darkness, where he played an older version of Spock alongside Zachary Quinto's younger Spock.

DeForest Kelley: Dr. McCoy

I'm a doctor, not a... DeForest Kelley, who portrayed the compassionate Dr. Leonard H. McCoy, passed away in 1999 at the age of 79. Kelley's iconic catchphrases and emotional performances made Dr. McCoy a fan favorite. He reprised his role in multiple Star Trek movies and even made a brief appearance in the 2002 series Star Trek: Enterprise. Off-screen, Kelley was a passionate painter and a dedicated family man. His legacy as Dr. McCoy continues to inspire fans and influence the medical profession.

James Doohan: Scotty

Beam me up, Scotty! James Doohan, who played the enterprising chief engineer Montgomery Scott, passed away in 2005 at the age of 85. Doohan's distinctive voice and Scottish brogue made Scotty an instantly recognizable character. He reprised his role in multiple Star Trek movies and even had a cameo in the 2004 comedy film EuroTrip. Off-screen, Doohan was a talented artist, author, and advocate for various causes. His ashes were launched into space in 2012 aboard a SpaceX rocket.

Nichelle Nichols: Lieutenant Uhura

Star Trek's groundbreaking interracial kiss. Nichelle Nichols, who played the trailblazing Lieutenant Uhura, is still alive and active at 89 years old. Nichols' iconic performance as Uhura broke barriers and inspired generations of women and people of color to pursue careers in science and technology. She reprised her role in multiple Star Trek movies and even had a cameo in the 2019 film Star Trek: Picard. Off-screen, Nichols is a passionate advocate for space exploration and has worked with NASA to encourage diversity in the astronaut corps.

George Takei: Sulu

Oh, my. George Takei, who played the helmsman Lieutenant Sulu, is still alive and well at 85 years old. Takei's iconic performance as Sulu made him a fan favorite and paved the way for Asian-American representation in Hollywood. He reprised his role in multiple Star Trek movies and even had a cameo in the 2016 film Star Trek Beyond. Off-screen, Takei is a passionate activist for LGBTQ+ rights, an author, and a social media sensation. He also lent his voice to the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks and the video game Star Trek Online.

Walter Koenig: Chekov

Fascinating. Walter Koenig, who played the navigator Ensign Chekov, passed away in 2023 at the age of 85. Koenig's iconic performance as Chekov made him a fan favorite and helped to expand the diversity of the Star Trek universe. He reprised his role in multiple Star Trek movies and even had a recurring role in the 1990s series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Off-screen, Koenig was a talented writer and even penned an episode of the original series. He was also a passionate advocate for various causes, including animal rights and environmentalism.

Grace Lee Whitney: Janice Rand

Captain, we have a live one! Grace Lee Whitney, who played the yeoman Lieutenant Janice Rand, passed away in 2015 at the age of 85. Whitney's iconic performance as Rand made her a fan favorite and helped to establish the role of women in the Star Trek universe. She reprised her role in multiple Star Trek movies and even had a cameo in the 2013 film Star Trek Into Darkness. Off-screen, Whitney was a passionate advocate for victims of sexual assault and even founded the charity "SAFE (Sexual Assault Family Educators) Foundation" to help support survivors.

The Next Generation and Beyond

While the original cast may have been replaced by new actors in later series and movies, their legacy lives on. The original series laid the groundwork for the expansive Star Trek universe that we know and love today. And thanks to the magic of film and television, we can still enjoy the performances of these incredible actors and the iconic characters they brought to life.

Conclusion: A Final Thought

So there you have it, Trekkies! A comprehensive guide to who's still alive from the original Star Trek cast. Whether they're still with us or not, the legacy of these incredible actors lives on through their iconic performances and the impact they had on the world. So, let's raise a glass of Romulan ale and toast to the crew of the USS Enterprise – past, present, and future.

Live long and prosper!