So who do you think were the best actors to appear on or be associated with Trek? Including regulars and guests? Here would be my list, in order: 1)Patrick Stewart - easily and far and away the best actor to be associated with Trek in any incarnation. He is like a man among boys as far as acting in regards to Trek. The rest - 2)Rene Aberjonois (and I always spell it wrong) - very talented character actor who has had a great career 3)Brent Spiner - very talented song and dance guy - if you ever saw him on Broadway, where his skill is really evident 4)Christopher Plummer - his career speaks for itself 5)Colm Meany - another Broadway vet with solid chops 6)Jean Simmons - appeared at the end of her career. Check out some of the films she made in her prime (was a hell of a looker too) 7)Harris Yulin and Bob Gunton - very similar, solid character type performers who are always great 8)Malcolm McDowell - alternates between shlock and solid roles, but is usually great in either 9)Alfrie Woodard 10)Kate Mulgrew - didn't like her much as Janeway, but that was the fault of the writers. Her stage work can't be denied. 11) F Murray Abraham - tends towards the bombastic, but has given some great performances That's what my memory serves up to this point. I'm interested to hear other opinions, so chime in.
I'd put Colm Meaney higher up in that list, personally. He's quite versatile. And your list Needs More Shatner.
First time I watched I did not think much of her or her performance. After Seeing clips of the first person to get the job as Voyager captain, and after watching 4 seasons of Voyager again on DVD I cannot imagine anyone else playing that part. I would hire her any time I need a strong female type. It's strange she has not shown up on TV in a recurring role as a lawyer, politician or judge.
^^I know the Shat received big accolades as a young stage actor in Canada (compared to Olivier!) but I never saw him in the theater. His myriad television and few movie roles occasionally show some serious acting ability, but as time went on he more and more seemed to just be playing "William Shatner", a character he developed. I can't put him in the same class as some of the actors I've mentioned.
I don't know about other roles, but on the basis of their Star Trek work, Nimoy's performances were always at least 10 times better than Shatner's.
Patrick Stewart seemed to be forcing his performance at various times; and he kinda bored me. Some of my picks, off the top of my head: *Peter Weller *William Windom *Brent Spiner *Rene Auberjonois *Armin Shimmerman *Colm Meaney *Robert Foxworth *Avery Brooks (Even he was forcing it at various times, but it was cool seeing a 'level-headed brutha in charge' in the future...and in Trek).
NOT Scott Bakula, IMO. Good actor, but as a Star Trek CO? Yeeesh... (Granted, some or most of that can be blamed on the writing staff, but I think Bakula just never had the gravitas, talent-wise, for a leading role as a Starship CO. YMMV, of course.) Cheers, -CM-
I knew there would be a few I couldn't recall. Grey definetly should be there. Christopher Lloyd? Decent character actor, sometimes a scene chewer, but a solid performer.
I must respectfully disagree with you regarding Mr. Bakula. I think he's an incredible talent. I also must mention David Warner, who is untouchable as an actor. In each of his roles, he was fantastic, and he got better with each.
I'm a big fan of Marc Alaimo's. He was like a magnet on the screen. J.G. Hertzler too - he played many convincing roles.
I second David Warner 15 posts and no Jeffrey Combs yet? Shame on you all. I don't even know if he is a great actor, but I just love hearing Tony Todd speak.
Only one vote for Leonard Nimoy? Watch Never Forget. Just one of many brilliant performances from a great actor and director. Mark Lenard IS Sarek... and was a very good actor whose career spanned decades.
I thought we were shooting for names that don't crop up as often? Sorry if I misunderstood the whole theme of the thread.