Star Trek stands as a monumental science fiction franchise. Originating as a space western in 1966, it has evolved into countless adventures across movies, television, novels, comic books, and cartoons. Gene Roddenberry and Lucille Ball brought Star Trek to life, creating a stage for some of the finest actors of recent generations.
Many well-known actors, like Kirsten Dunst and Ashley Judd, began their careers as guest stars on Star Trek. Over the past half-century, the franchise has produced seven live-action TV series, three animated series, and thirteen major motion pictures. Celebrities from Christopher Lloyd to F. Murray Abraham have appeared in the Star Trek canon. The series has also featured cameos and bit parts by non-actors, from singers to politicians. Let’s explore ten obscure Star Trek guest stars.
10. James Worthy – The Next Generation, “Gambit, Part II”
James Worthy, a former professional basketball player, boasts a hall-of-fame career. He played alongside Michael Jordan at the University of North Carolina and won an NCAA Championship in 1982 under Coach Dean Smith. Later, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, where he and Magic Johnson won NBA Championships in ’85, ’87, and ’88. Worthy then achieved something unique: playing a Klingon, arguably the tallest (6’9″) and most intimidating in Star Trek.
In “Gambit, Part II,” the Enterprise crew is under Lt. Cmdr. Data’s command. They stall a Klingon shuttle in an elaborate rescue plan involving senior officers. Enter Koral, Worthy’s character, who relies on intimidating stares. Worthy has made several cameos in TV and movies since retiring from basketball in 1994.
9. Tom Morello – Voyager, “Good Shepherd”
Tom Morello rose to fame in the 1990s as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter for Rage Against the Machine and later Audio Slave. He also played with Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band and co-founded Prophets of Rage. A long-time Trekkie, Morello contacted Voyager through his agent in the late 1990s.
As Voyager neared its final season, Captain Janeway noticed three delinquent officers needing guidance. While on deck 15, Janeway gets lost and asks directions from Crewman Mitchell, played by Tom Morello.
The rock star briefly interacts with the captain before resuming his routine. Crewman Mitchell hasn’t been seen since, but he could reappear in a future series.
8. Iggy Pop – Deep Space Nine, “The Magnificent Ferengi”
Deep Space Nine focused on the Dominion threat, a shapeshifting species. The Dominion used the Jem’Hadar (soldiers) and the Vorta (middle management) as envoys.
In “The Magnificent Ferengi,” executive producer Ira Steven Behr, a punk rock fan, wanted Iggy Pop to appear in a season 3 episode set in the early 21st century.
Pop was unavailable then, but Behr’s dream came true three years later. Pop played Yelgrun, a Vorta, in a Ferengi-focused episode. Yelgrun nurses his left arm, as Pop injured himself stage diving the night before filming.
7. Mick Fleetwood – The Next Generation, “Manhunt”
Fleetwood Mac is a famous rock band, known for its internal relationships. Mick Fleetwood, a key member, has been in the spotlight for decades. His affair with Stevie Nicks is legendary. Fleetwood is a world-renowned drummer, but his acting skills are less known.
In TNG’s second season, Mick appears in full prosthetic costume as an Antedean ambassador. The Antedeans are tall, fishlike species, perfect for Mick’s frame. He had no lines, and the part went unnoticed for years, but Fleetwood was happy to be part of the Golden Age of Star Trek.
6. Jeff Bezos – Star Trek Beyond
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has connections to the Star Trek franchise. In 2021, Bezos launched William Shatner into space on his Blue Origin spacecraft. Before that, he made a cameo appearance in 2016.
The 2010s saw JJ Abrams’s “Kelvin-Verse,” an alternate timeline in the Star Trek universe.
In the third movie, Bezos appears as an alien Starfleet member, stationed on the Yorktown Starbase. His role lasted eight seconds, advising a rescued spacefarer to “speak normally.”
5. Melvin Belli – Star Trek TOS, “And the Children Will Lead”
Melvin Belli, a lawyer to the stars in the 1960s, defended Jack Ruby in the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald. Known as “The King of Torts,” Belli was already respected in his field.
In The Original Series’ final season, Belli plays Gorgan, an evil embodiment released by an archeological survey. Belli got the studio to cast his son, Caesar, in the episode. Belli may be the only career lawyer to appear on the show.
4. Stacey Abrams – Discovery, “Coming Home”
Star Trek has always been politically conscious. Abrams is undeniably influential. Discovery season four sees Michael Burnham as captain, leading the federation in a post-Burn era.
The season introduces Federation President Laira Rillak. Earth isn’t a Federation member then, and Earth’s president appears only in the season finale. Abrams delivers her lines with a convincing demeanor.
Abrams is the only active state representative to appear in Star Trek. Many felt she was perfect for the role of “Madame President.”
3. Mae Jemison – The Next Generation, “Second Chances”
The first African American woman in space, Mae Carol Jemison, was the first astronaut on Star Trek. Jemison admired Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) and credited her as her role model. LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge) learned she was a fan and invited her to guest star.
Jemison has a few lines in an episode about Commander Riker’s clone. While not known for acting, she remains one of Star Trek’s most obscure guest stars.
2. Abdullah bin al-Hussein – Voyager, “Investigations”
Prince Abdullah bin al-Hussein, now king of Jordan, is a Trekkie. In 1996, he visited the set of Voyager, and his advisor arranged for him to appear as a lieutenant science officer.
He’s seen speaking to Harry Kim, but no words are audible. He wasn’t given lines as he isn’t a SAG-AFTRA member. Robert Picardo (the Doctor) gifted him an autographed picture, and Abdullah threw a party for the crew. He remains the only real-life prince to appear on the show.
1. Stephen Hawking – The Next Generation, “Descent”
Stephen Hawking, a brilliant mind, fittingly appeared on Star Trek. Data uses the holodeck to play poker against Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Hawking.
Hawking played himself, the first and only person to do so. One of the USS Enterprise’s shuttles was named Hawking in his honor. This episode made Hawking part of Star Trek canon and the most obscure cameo in Star Trek history.
These unexpected cameos add another layer of intrigue to the Star Trek universe, showcasing how the series has touched various aspects of culture and society.
Which cameo surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
