Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner in 2009. Mark Davis/Getty Images "Star Trek" debuted 60 years ago on September 8, 1966. After the show, the cast of the original series remained sci-fi icons. Only three stars of "The Original Series" are alive in 2026. When Gene Roddenberry came up with the Vulcan phrase, "Live long and prosper," he had no way of knowing that he was predicting the future of his little sci-fi show that premiered on NBC 60 years ago. In the six decades since, "Star Trek" has become one of our most enduring franchises, with 13 feature films (plus one direct-to-streaming movie), 13 television shows, and millions of fans all over the world — and perhaps the galaxy. To celebrate "Star Trek's" big anniversary, we're reflecting on the original crew of the USS Enterprise, how they changed the world, and what the surviving cast members are doing now. William Shatner led the crew of the USS Enterprise as Captain James T. Kirk. William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk on the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Space Seed." Original air date February 16, 1967 CBS/Getty Images "Star Trek" was originally going to be focused on a different captain, Captain Christopher Pike, played by Jeffrey Hunter. A pilot, called "The Cage," was even filmed, but it didn't make it to airwaves until the '80s. Gene Roddenberry, the creator, eventually retooled the show and cast Shatner as a new captain, Kirk. Some footage from "The Cage" was reused for a season one episode called "The Menagerie." Before "Star Trek," Shatner was famous for his role in an iconic "Twilight Zone" episode, "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," in which he played a man recently released from a mental hospital who becomes convinced he can see a creature on the wing of the plane he's flying on. It aired in 1963, three years before "Star Trek." Shatner also acted in "T.J. Hooker" and "Boston Legal," hosted "Rescue 911," and has written numerous books. He made it to space in 2021. William Shatner speaks onstage during FanExpo Chicago 2026 on August 15, 2026 in Rosemont, Illinois. Barry Brecheisen/WireImage/Getty Images Though he's 95 years old, Shatner has shown no signs of slowing down. After "Star Trek" was canceled in 1969, he briefly returned to voice Kirk for the "Star Trek" animated series. In 1979, he again reprised his role as Kirk in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." He'd continue to do so regularly until 1994's "Star Trek Generations." He even directed one of the "Star Trek" movies: "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier." Besides "Star Trek," Shatner starred as the titular police officer on the '80s procedural "T.J. Hooker" and narrated "Rescue 911," a show that consisted of dramatic reenactments of real crimes. Other roles that you might recognize Shatner from: a pageant host in "Miss Congeniality," attorney Dennis Crane in "The Practice" and its spin-off "Boston Legal" for which he won two Emmys, and in the 2016-2018 reality show "Better Late Than Never," in which Shatner, Henry Winkler, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw traveled around the world and experienced different cultures. He also finally made it to space himself during a Blue Origin flight in October 2021, making him the oldest person to go into space at 90. In July 2026, he started a podcast with his daughter, "No Time But Now," inspired by how they had both overcome stage IV cancer diagnoses in 2022. Shatner has written multiple books, both fiction and non-fiction, over the course of his career. His 2016 book, "Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man," was about his friendship with "Star Trek" costar Leonard Nimoy, who played his on-screen better half, Commander Spock. Most recently, in 2022, he published a collection of essays called "Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder." Walter Koenig was cast as Ensign Pavel Chekov because of his resemblance to the Monkees' Davy Jones. LOS ANGELES - MARCH 29: Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, "Assignment: Earth." Season 2, episode 26. Original air date was March 29, 1968 CBS/Getty Images While Chekov was Russian, Koenig was born in the US and based his accent on his parents' accents — they were Russian immigrants. Koenig was cast because, according to legend, he was supposed to help attract young girls as viewers due to his resemblance to teen idol Davy Jones. He even wore a Davy Jones-esque women's wig for the first seven or eight episodes, he told TV Insider in 2016. Koenig is mainly recognized for his on-screen role as Chekov, though he became a prolific screenwriter in the '70s. He wrote episodes for the "Star Trek" animated series, anthology series "What Really Happened to the Class of '65?" and children's series "Land of the Lost." Koenig appeared in the 2018 film "Diminuendo." Walter Koenig attends Los Angeles premiere of "Raging Midlife" at Laemmle Royal on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images Koenig, 89, (he's turning 90 on September 14) still makes frequent appearances on the "Star Trek" convention circuit, as well as acting in the occasional film. He appeared in 12 episodes of "Babylon 5" in the '90s, voiced himself in an episode of "Futurama," and also voiced Mr. Savic on the Netflix animated series "Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters." In 2025, he appeared in the film "Raging Midlife" as a character named Otis. While not all of the "Star Trek" cast were on great terms, Koenig and his costar George Takei remain close. Koenig was even the best man in Takei's wedding in 2008. George Takei played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, a helmsman on the Enterprise. LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: George Takei as Hikaru Sulu in the STAR TREK episode, "Spock's Brain." Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. CBS/Getty Images Over the course of the show, Sulu was revealed to have many interests outside of Starfleet, most famously fencing. At the time, Sulu was one of the first Asian characters on TV who wasn't explicitly a villain but rather a fully formed hero. "Up until the time I was cast in 'Star Trek,' the roles were pretty shallow — thin, stereotyped, one-dimensional roles. I knew this character was a breakthrough role, certainly for me as an individual actor but also for the image of an Asian character: no accent, a member of the elite leadership team," Takei told Mother Jones in 2012. Takei was originally supposed to play Sulu as an astrophysicist, but the role was changed to helmsman. Before "Star Trek," Takei also appeared in "The Twilight Zone," like Shatner, among other '50s and '60s procedurals. Takei is still acting to this day, though many people know him now for his social media presence. George Takei attends the 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego - "Star Trek" 60th Anniversary Celebration Press Line at Hilton Bayfront on July 25, 2026 Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Who says an 89-year-old doesn't know how to use social media? Takei's Facebook page has 9.6 million likes to date, and he has 2.8 million followers on X — though he's recently made the switch to BlueSky, where he has 1.8 million followers. In addition to his continued acting in films like "Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank," "Kubo and the Two Strings," "Blazing Samurai," and "Mulan," and TV shows like "Heroes," "Supah Ninjas," "Blue Eye Samurai," and "Star Wars: Visions," Takei is an activist. He came out as gay in 2005 and began working as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. Takei also starred in the 2012 musical "Allegiance," which was based on his and his family's experiences during Japanese internment in World War II. Nichelle Nichols played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, a translator, communications officer, and linguistics expert. LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 19: Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Nyota Uhura in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, "Arena." Original air date January 19, 1967. CBS/Getty Images Uhura was one of the first Black television characters who didn't have a menial job — instead, she was in a position of power. She and Shatner were also involved in what is thought to be the first interracial kiss on American TV. Nichols stayed with the show for all three seasons, but it wasn't without drama. She was tempted to leave during the first year, but none other than Martin Luther King Jr. convinced her to stay. She told the New York Post in 2011 that when she told him that she wanted to leave, he told her, "You can't do that. You have the first non-stereotypical, non-menial role on television. You have created strength and beauty and intelligence. For the first time, the world sees us as we should be seen. It's what we're marching for. You're a role model, and whether you like it or not, you belong to history now." She also released an album in 1967, "Down to Earth." In between "Star Trek's" cancellation and its return on the big screen, Nichols starred in the 1974 blaxploitation film "Truck Turner," as Dorinda, a madam. Nichols died in 2022 at the age of 89. She had retired from public appearances in 2018. LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 01: Actress Nichelle Nichols attends the 17th annual official Star Trek convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on August 1, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images From 1977 until 2015, Nichols was involved with Women in Motion, a NASA recruiting program aimed at increasing women's participation in the space program. In July 2020, a documentary about the program finally secured distribution and was released in 2021, Deadline reported. "Nichelle Nichols not only was a trailblazer in Hollywood, she was a trailblazer for the future of our society," said executive producer Ben Crump. "She took the fight for Civil Rights, diversity and inclusion and gender equality to new frontiers with NASA which continue to serve America's space program today. She was ahead of her time." Nichols also appeared in "The Young and the Restless," "Heroes," and "Futurama." She was diagnosed with dementia in 2018 and subsequently retired from public appearances. In July 2022, Nichols' son announced on social media that Nichols had died at the age of 89. Leonard Nimoy played Captain Kirk's first officer and close friend, Commander Spock. Leonard Nimoy in 1967. CBS/Getty Images Spock was the only alien member of the original crew, as he was half-human, half-Vulcan — an alien race from the planet Vulcan whose residents operate solely from a point of logic rather than feelings. Much of the show's comedy came from Spock and Kirk's differences and their amusement at each other. His frequent farewell, "Live long and prosper," accompanied by the Vulcan Salute, is among the most recognizable pieces of the "Star Trek" canon. Nimoy had multiple small parts in B-movies and TV shows before booking "Star Trek," including an episode of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." alongside Shatner, as well as an episode of "The Twilight Zone." But once "Star Trek" premiered, Nimoy would be forever linked with his Vulcan counterpart, and he mainly did voice work after the show ended. He also reunited with Shatner for an episode of his show, "T.J. Hooker." Nimoy died in 2015 at the age of 83. He played Spock for the final time in 2013's "Star Trek Into Darkness." LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 01: Actor Leonard Nimoy attends the 2014 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival opening night for 'To Be Takei' at Directors Guild Of America on May 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images Nimoy is the only actor from the original series to appear in JJ Abrams' rebooted films: He appeared in 2009's "Star Trek" and its 2013 sequel "Star Trek Into Darkness" as an older version of Spock who was trapped in an alternate universe. It meant he played the role for almost 50 years. In addition to acting, Nimoy was a photographer, recording artist, author, and director. He directed two "Star Trek" movies ("The Search for Spock" and "The Journey Home"), and "Three Men and a Baby," which became the highest-grossing film of 1987. Nimoy died in 2015 at the age of 83 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DeForest Kelley played the ship's curmudgeonly chief medical officer, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 17: DeForest Kelley as Dr. Bones McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, "Journey to Babel." Season 2, episode 10 originally broadcast November 17, 1967. CBS/Getty Images Bones, as he was affectionately called, was one of the oldest members of the crew, and thus got to be a bit more obnoxious than the rest of them. His frequent catchphrase, "I'm a doctor, not a ___," is one of the most parodied lines of dialogue from the show. Like his character, Kelley was older than the rest of the cast, and he was a more established actor. Before the show, he had appeared in Westerns and historical films like "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," "Warlock," and "Raintree County" in the '50s. Kelley died in 1999 at the age of 79, nine years after playing McCoy for the last time. DeForest Kelley during "Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond - A Live Tribute" at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California, United States SGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images Kelley essentially retired from acting, besides playing McCoy, after the success of "Star Trek." He appeared in all six films starring the original cast, and he appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" as McCoy, as well. While he wasn't much of a sci-fi fan, Kelley was proud of his "Star Trek" legacy. When asked what he thought his legacy would be, he explained that his character inspired people to enter the medical field. He told The Houston Chronicle in 1998, "These people [fans] are doctors now, all kinds of doctors who save lives. That's something that very few people can say they've done. I'm proud to say that I have.'' He died in 1999 at the age of 79 due to stomach cancer. Majel Barrett had a recurring role as Nurse Christine Chapel. LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 17: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and Majel Barrett as Nurse Christine Chapel in the STAR TREK episode, "Journey to Babel." Season 2, episode 10 originally broadcast November 17, 1967. CBS/Getty Images Barrett was originally cast in the first version of "Star Trek" as Pike's first officer, but when that episode was scratched, so was her character. However, due to her romantic relationship with "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry (whom she later married), she was brought back as Nurse Chapel, a divisive character. Before the show, Barrett had various bit parts in '50s and '60s shows, but her big break was "Star Trek," in which she stayed involved for the rest of her life. Barrett died in 2008 when she was 76 years old. LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 20: Actress Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, widow of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, speaks at the fifth annual official Star Trek convention at the Las Vegas Hilton August 20, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. ( Ethan Miller/Getty Images Barrett reprised her role as Chapel in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." She also appeared in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as Lwaxana Troi, the mother of Deanna Troi, a main character in "Next Generation." Her other involvement in the series was the voice of the computer in many of the other "Star Trek" films: "Generations," "First Contact," "Nemesis," and 2009's reboot. Her involvement with every "Star Trek" series led fans to call her the first lady of "Star Trek." She died in 2008 at the age of 76 due to leukemia. James Doohan played Chief Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott. LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 3: From left: James Doohan as Chief Engineer Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott and George Takei as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu on the Star Trek: The Original Series episode, "Whom Gods Destroy." Originally aired January 3, 1969. CBS/Getty Images Contrary to popular belief, the phrase "Beam me up, Scotty" is never actually uttered in the original series — and the man on the other end of that command, Scotty, was played by Doohan, who was Canadian in real life, not Scottish. Before "Star Trek," Doohan served in the Canadian military and was even on the beaches of Normandy during D-Day. He was a pilot as well. After the war, he began acting and became a successful radio actor. Like his costars, he also appeared in an episode of "The Twilight Zone," and other popular procedurals. In the animated series, Doohan proved indispensable, thanks to his talent for voice acting and accents. He voiced over 50 characters during the show's run. James Doohan died at the age of 85 in 2005. James Doohan during James Doohan Honored With A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame for His Achievements in Television at 7021 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, California, United States. 2004 Albert L. Ortega/WireImage/Getty Images Doohan didn't find much success outside of the world of "Star Trek," and thus embraced his role as Scotty. He appeared in the film "Generations" as well as an episode of "The Next Generation." However, his impact on the field of engineering cannot be overstated. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Milwaukee School of Engineering "after half the students there said that Scotty had inspired them to take up the subject," according to the BBC. Doohan suffered from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and he retired from public life in 2004. He died the following year, at 85, due to complications from pneumonia. Grace Lee Whitney appeared in the first season of the show as Yeoman Janice Rand. LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 15: Robert Walker Jr. as Charlie Evans in the STAR TREK episode, "Charlie X." Season 1, episode, 2. Original air date September 15, 1966. CBS/Getty Images Rand appeared in eight episodes of the show's first 15-episode season as a clerical and administrative worker aboard the ship, before Whitney was released from her contract. At the time, the story was that the show didn't have enough money to keep everyone, but years later in her autobiography, Rand accused an unnamed executive producer, whom she called "The Executive," of sexually assaulting her. "I tried to do what he wanted me to, so I could get it over with. I knew, deep down inside, that I was finished on 'Star Trek.' At that moment, however, I didn't care about that. Nothing else mattered — not my tarnished virtue, not my career, not my role on 'Star Trek.' The only thing that mattered was getting out of that room alive," she wrote. Whitney died in 2015 at the age of 85. LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 08: Actress Grace Lee Whitney attends the 12th annual Star Trek convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on August 8, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic/Getty Images After getting written off the show, Whitney struggled with her career and alcoholism. She credited costar Leonard Nimoy with helping her get back on her feet and involved with "Star Trek" once again. She reprised her role in four of the original "Star Trek" films and in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" alongside George Takei. She died in 2015 due to natural causes at the age of 85. Read the original article on Business Insider
Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner in 2009.Mark Davis/Getty Images "Star Trek" debuted 60 years ago on September 8, 1966. After the show, the cast of the original series remained sci-fi icons. Only three stars of "The Original Series" are alive in 2026. When Gene Roddenberry came up with the Vulcan phrase, "Live long and prosper," he had no way of knowing that he was predicting the future of his little sci-fi show that premiered on NBC 60 years ago. In the six decades since, "Star Trek" has become one of our most enduring franchises, with 13 feature films (plus one direct-to-streaming movie), 13 television shows, and millions of fans all over the world — and perhaps the galaxy. To celebrate "Star Trek's" big anniversary, we're reflecting on the original crew of the USS Enterprise, how they changed the world, and what the surviving cast members are doing now. William Shatner led the crew of the USS Enterprise as Captain James T. Kirk. William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk on the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Space Seed." Original air date February 16, 1967CBS/Getty Images "Star Trek" was originally going to be focused on a different captain, Captain Christopher Pike, played by Jeffrey Hunter. A pilot, called "The Cage," was even filmed, but it didn't make it to airwaves until the '80s. Gene Roddenberry, the creator, eventually retooled the show and cast Shatner as a new captain, Kirk. Some footage from "The Cage" was reused for a season one episode called "The Menagerie." Before "Star Trek," Shatner was famous for his role in an iconic "Twilight Zone" episode, "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet," in which he played a man recently released from a mental hospital who becomes convinced he can see a creature on the wing of the plane he's flying on. It aired in 1963, three years before "Star Trek." Shatner also acted in "T.J. Hooker" and "Boston Legal," hosted "Rescue 911," and has written numerous books. He made it to space in 2021. William Shatner speaks onstage during FanExpo Chicago 2026 on August 15, 2026 in Rosemont, Illinois.Barry Brecheisen/WireImage/Getty Images Though he's 95 years old, Shatner has shown no signs of slowing down. After "Star Trek" was canceled in 1969, he briefly returned to voice Kirk for the "Star Trek" animated series. In 1979, he again reprised his role as Kirk in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." He'd continue to do so regularly until 1994's "Star Trek Generations." He even directed one of the "Star Trek" movies: "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier." Besides "Star Trek," Shatner starred as the titular police officer on the '80s procedural "T.J. Hooker" and narrated "Rescue 911," a show that consisted of dramatic reenactments of real crimes. Other roles that you might recognize Shatner from: a pageant host in "Miss Congeniality," attorney Dennis Crane in "The Practice" and its spin-off "Boston Legal" for which he won two Emmys, and in the 2016-2018 reality show "Better Late Than Never," in which Shatner, Henry Winkler, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw traveled around the world and experienced different cultures. He also finally made it to space himself during a Blue Origin flight in October 2021, making him the oldest person to go into space at 90. In July 2026, he started a podcast with his daughter, "No Time But Now," inspired by how they had both overcome stage IV cancer diagnoses in 2022. Shatner has written multiple books, both fiction and non-fiction, over the course of his career. His 2016 book, "Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man," was about his friendship with "Star Trek" costar Leonard Nimoy, who played his on-screen better half, Commander Spock. Most recently, in 2022, he published a collection of essays called "Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder." Walter Koenig was cast as Ensign Pavel Chekov because of his resemblance to the Monkees' Davy Jones. LOS ANGELES - MARCH 29: Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, "Assignment: Earth." Season 2, episode 26. Original air date was March 29, 1968CBS/Getty Images While Chekov was Russian, Koenig was born in the US and based his accent on his parents' accents — they were Russian immigrants. Koenig was cast because, according to legend, he was supposed to help attract young girls as viewers due to his resemblance to teen idol Davy Jones. He even wore a Davy Jones-esque women's wig for the first seven or eight episodes, he told TV Insider in 2016. Koenig is mainly recognized for his on-screen role as Chekov, though he became a prolific screenwriter in the '70s. He wrote episodes for the "Star Trek" animated series, anthology series "What Really Happened to the Class of '65?" and children's series "Land of the Lost." Koenig appeared in the 2018 film "Diminuendo." Walter Koenig attends Los Angeles premiere of "Raging Midlife" at Laemmle Royal on March 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images Koenig, 89, (he's turning 90 on September 14) still makes frequent appearances on the "Star Trek" convention circuit, as well as acting in the occasional film. He appeared in 12 episodes of "Babylon 5" in the '90s, voiced himself in an episode of "Futurama," and also voiced Mr. Savic on the Netflix animated series "Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters." In 2025, he appeared in the film "Raging Midlife" as a character named Otis. While not all of the "Star Trek" cast were on great terms, Koenig and his costar George Takei remain close. Koenig was even the best man in Takei's wedding in 2008. George Takei played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, a helmsman on the Enterprise. LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: George Takei as Hikaru Sulu in the STAR TREK episode, "Spock's Brain." Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1.CBS/Getty Images Over the course of the show, Sulu was revealed to have many interests outside of Starfleet, most famously fencing. At the time, Sulu was one of the first Asian characters on TV who wasn't explicitly a villain but rather a fully formed hero. "Up until the time I was cast in 'Star Trek,' the roles were pretty shallow — thin, stereotyped, one-dimensional roles. I knew this character was a breakthrough role, certainly for me as an individual actor but also for the image of an Asian character: no accent, a member of the elite leadership team," Takei told Mother Jones in 2012. Takei was originally supposed to play Sulu as an astrophysicist, but the role was changed to helmsman. Before "Star Trek," Takei also appeared in "The Twilight Zone," like Shatner, among other '50s and '60s procedurals. Takei is still acting to this day, though many people know him now for his social media presence. George Takei attends the 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego - "Star Trek" 60th Anniversary Celebration Press Line at Hilton Bayfront on July 25, 2026Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Who says an 89-year-old doesn't know how to use social media? Takei's Facebook page has 9.6 million likes to date, and he has 2.8 million followers on X — though he's recently made the switch to BlueSky, where he has 1.8 million followers. In addition to his continued acting in films like "Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank," "Kubo and the Two Strings," "Blazing Samurai," and "Mulan," and TV shows like "Heroes," "Supah Ninjas," "Blue Eye Samurai," and "Star Wars: Visions," Takei is an activist. He came out as gay in 2005 and began working as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. Takei also starred in the 2012 musical "Allegiance," which was based on his and his family's experiences during Japanese internment in World War II. Nichelle Nichols played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, a translator, communications officer, and linguistics expert. LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 19: Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Nyota Uhura in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, "Arena." Original air date January 19, 1967.CBS/Getty Images Uhura was one of the first Black television characters who didn't have a menial job — instead, she was in a position of power. She and Shatner were also involved in what is thought to be the first interracial kiss on American TV. Nichols stayed with the show for all three seasons, but it wasn't without drama. She was tempted to leave during the first year, but none other than Martin Luther King Jr. convinced her to stay. She told the New York Post in 2011 that when she told him that she wanted to leave, he told her, "You can't do that. You have the first non-stereotypical, non-menial role on television. You have created strength and beauty and intelligence. For the first time, the world sees us as we should be seen. It's what we're marching for. You're a role model, and whether you like it or not, you belong to history now." She also released an album in 1967, "Down to Earth." In between "Star Trek's" cancellation and its return on the big screen, Nichols starred in the 1974 blaxploitation film "Truck Turner," as Dorinda, a madam. Nichols died in 2022 at the age of 89. She had retired from public appearances in 2018. LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 01: Actress Nichelle Nichols attends the 17th annual official Star Trek convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on August 1, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images From 1977 until 2015, Nichols was involved with Women in Motion, a NASA recruiting program aimed at increasing women's participation in the space program. In July 2020, a documentary about the program finally secured distribution and was released in 2021, Deadline reported. "Nichelle Nichols not only was a trailblazer in Hollywood, she was a trailblazer for the future of our society," said executive producer Ben Crump. "She took the fight for Civil Rights, diversity and inclusion and gender equality to new frontiers with NASA which continue to serve America's space program today. She was ahead of her time." Nichols also appeared in "The Young and the Restless," "Heroes," and "Futurama." She was diagnosed with dementia in 2018 and subsequently retired from public appearances. In July 2022, Nichols' son announced on social media that Nichols had died at the age of 89. Leonard Nimoy played Captain Kirk's first officer and close friend, Commander Spock. Leonard Nimoy in 1967.CBS/Getty Images Spock was the only alien member of the original crew, as he was half-human, half-Vulcan — an alien race from the planet Vulcan whose residents operate solely from a point of logic rather than feelings. Much of the show's comedy came from Spock and Kirk's differences and their amusement at each other. His frequent farewell, "Live long and prosper," accompanied by the Vulcan Salute, is among the most recognizable pieces of the "Star Trek" canon. Nimoy had multiple small parts in B-movies and TV shows before booking "Star Trek," including an episode of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." alongside Shatner, as well as an episode of "The Twilight Zone." But once "Star Trek" premiered, Nimoy would be forever linked with his Vulcan counterpart, and he mainly did voice work after the show ended. He also reunited with Shatner for an episode of his show, "T.J. Hooker." Nimoy died in 2015 at the age of 83. He played Spock for the final time in 2013's "Star Trek Into Darkness." LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 01: Actor Leonard Nimoy attends the 2014 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival opening night for 'To Be Takei' at Directors Guild Of America on May 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images Nimoy is the only actor from the original series to appear in JJ Abrams' rebooted films: He appeared in 2009's "Star Trek" and its 2013 sequel "Star Trek Into Darkness" as an older version of Spock who was trapped in an alternate universe. It meant he played the role for almost 50 years. In addition to acting, Nimoy was a photographer, recording artist, author, and director. He directed two "Star Trek" movies ("The Search for Spock" and "The Journey Home"), and "Three Men and a Baby," which became the highest-grossing film of 1987. Nimoy died in 2015 at the age of 83 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). DeForest Kelley played the ship's curmudgeonly chief medical officer, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 17: DeForest Kelley as Dr. Bones McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, "Journey to Babel." Season 2, episode 10 originally broadcast November 17, 1967.CBS/Getty Images Bones, as he was affectionately called, was one of the oldest members of the crew, and thus got to be a bit more obnoxious than the rest of them. His frequent catchphrase, "I'm a doctor, not a ___," is one of the most parodied lines of dialogue from the show. Like his character, Kelley was older than the rest of the cast, and he was a more established actor. Before the show, he had appeared in Westerns and historical films like "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral," "Warlock," and "Raintree County" in the '50s. Kelley died in 1999 at the age of 79, nine years after playing McCoy for the last time. DeForest Kelley during "Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond - A Live Tribute" at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California, United StatesSGranitz/WireImage/Getty Images Kelley essentially retired from acting, besides playing McCoy, after the success of "Star Trek." He appeared in all six films starring the original cast, and he appeared in an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" as McCoy, as well. While he wasn't much of a sci-fi fan, Kelley was proud of his "Star Trek" legacy. When asked what he thought his legacy would be, he explained that his character inspired people to enter the medical field. He told The Houston Chronicle in 1998, "These people [fans] are doctors now, all kinds of doctors who save lives. That's something that very few people can say they've done. I'm proud to say that I have.'' He died in 1999 at the age of 79 due to stomach cancer. Majel Barrett had a recurring role as Nurse Christine Chapel. LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 17: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and Majel Barrett as Nurse Christine Chapel in the STAR TREK episode, "Journey to Babel." Season 2, episode 10 originally broadcast November 17, 1967.CBS/Getty Images Barrett was originally cast in the first version of "Star Trek" as Pike's first officer, but when that episode was scratched, so was her character. However, due to her romantic relationship with "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry (whom she later married), she was brought back as Nurse Chapel, a divisive character. Before the show, Barrett had various bit parts in '50s and '60s shows, but her big break was "Star Trek," in which she stayed involved for the rest of her life. Barrett died in 2008 when she was 76 years old. LAS VEGAS - AUGUST 20: Actress Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, widow of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, speaks at the fifth annual official Star Trek convention at the Las Vegas Hilton August 20, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images Barrett reprised her role as Chapel in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." She also appeared in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as Lwaxana Troi, the mother of Deanna Troi, a main character in "Next Generation." Her other involvement in the series was the voice of the computer in many of the other "Star Trek" films: "Generations," "First Contact," "Nemesis," and 2009's reboot. Her involvement with every "Star Trek" series led fans to call her the first lady of "Star Trek." She died in 2008 at the age of 76 due to leukemia. James Doohan played Chief Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott. LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 3: From left: James Doohan as Chief Engineer Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott and George Takei as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu on the Star Trek: The Original Series episode, "Whom Gods Destroy." Originally aired January 3, 1969.CBS/Getty Images Contrary to popular belief, the phrase "Beam me up, Scotty" is never actually uttered in the original series — and the man on the other end of that command, Scotty, was played by Doohan, who was Canadian in real life, not Scottish. Before "Star Trek," Doohan served in the Canadian military and was even on the beaches of Normandy during D-Day. He was a pilot as well. After the war, he began acting and became a successful radio actor. Like his costars, he also appeared in an episode of "The Twilight Zone," and other popular procedurals. In the animated series, Doohan proved indispensable, thanks to his talent for voice acting and accents. He voiced over 50 characters during the show's run. James Doohan died at the age of 85 in 2005. James Doohan during James Doohan Honored With A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame for His Achievements in Television at 7021 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, California, United States. 2004Albert L. Ortega/WireImage/Getty Images Doohan didn't find much success outside of the world of "Star Trek," and thus embraced his role as Scotty. He appeared in the film "Generations" as well as an episode of "The Next Generation." However, his impact on the field of engineering cannot be overstated. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Milwaukee School of Engineering "after half the students there said that Scotty had inspired them to take up the subject," according to the BBC. Doohan suffered from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and he retired from public life in 2004. He died the following year, at 85, due to complications from pneumonia. Grace Lee Whitney appeared in the first season of the show as Yeoman Janice Rand. LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 15: Robert Walker Jr. as Charlie Evans in the STAR TREK episode, "Charlie X." Season 1, episode, 2. Original air date September 15, 1966.CBS/Getty Images Rand appeared in eight episodes of the show's first 15-episode season as a clerical and administrative worker aboard the ship, before Whitney was released from her contract. At the time, the story was that the show didn't have enough money to keep everyone, but years later in her autobiography, Rand accused an unnamed executive producer, whom she called "The Executive," of sexually assaulting her. "I tried to do what he wanted me to, so I could get it over with. I knew, deep down inside, that I was finished on 'Star Trek.' At that moment, however, I didn't care about that. Nothing else mattered — not my tarnished virtue, not my career, not my role on 'Star Trek.' The only thing that mattered was getting out of that room alive," she wrote. Whitney died in 2015 at the age of 85. LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 08: Actress Grace Lee Whitney attends the 12th annual Star Trek convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on August 8, 2013 in Las Vegas, NevadaGabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic/Getty Images After getting written off the show, Whitney struggled with her career and alcoholism. She credited costar Leonard Nimoy with helping her get back on her feet and involved with "Star Trek" once again. She reprised her role in four of the original "Star Trek" films and in an episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" alongside George Takei. She died in 2015 due to natural causes at the age of 85. Read the original article on Business Insider
