So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality?

[plynch]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

In broad, general terms, from the Boomer kids on, we've had it easier growing up and in early adult experiences than our forebears. The first half of the Boomers went to 'Nam -- that's a something, for sure! But overall, growing up in the 60s or 70s compared to the 20s or 30s?

Just in terms of childhood, my suburban GenX upbringing was certainly less challenging than my silent generation parents' urban (mom) and farm (dad) early lives.

You named Miley upthread. I actually thought of JJ Abrams compared to Roddenberry and Coon, et al. It just seems like things were run more by the "grownups" in the past. Part of it is the deification of youth and the "Sibling Society" we have.

I know these are generalities, and individuals do vary. But general truths (if true) are as true as individual truths.

 

[Nerys Myk]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

I dunno about Roddenberry. He comes off as a perpetual teenager.

 

[plynch]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Point taken. I'm reading a book all about generations, based on Pew research [ http://www.amazon.com/The-Next-America-Millennials-Generational/dp/1610393503 ] and the coming fiscal train wreck because of Boomer benefits without the taxes to pay for them; as in the phrase, "Sorry kids, we ate it all."

So I am biased right now.

 

[bbailey861]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Anyone read Doohan's autobiography? Some pretty badass stuff in it.

Pointing a gun at a fellow officer during WWII?

Leading solidiers?

D-Day veteran?

Certainly did. IIRC, the Canadian military sent one or two representatives to his funeral as well. I wish I could remember where I read that - whether or not it was a civvy new site or within our DND site.

 

[Gov Kodos]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Porthos, 'nuff said.

 

[Melakon]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Part of it is the deification of youth and the "Sibling Society" we have.

"Sibling Society"? What the hell is that? I was born in 1951, but my siblings were all born between 1930-1936. I felt like an only child growing up.

 

[TheSubCommander]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Limiting it just to the actors, Doohan was the first one that came to mind for me, though some of the other actors also served during WWII, De Kelley for one, as well as some of the extras and guest stars. If we widen the scope out to behind the camera, then you can include Roddenberry (bomber pilot and police officer), Coon, Jefferies, and many others.

Well, TOS was chock full of people, actors or otherwise, who belonged to the WW2 generation, so it doesn't surprise me in the least you would have more vet in TOS than any other incarnation of Star Trek.

I've also heard of James Doohan being a D-Day and WW2 vet. For me, that kind of makes him #1.

I didn't know Avery Brooks did his own stunts, but I always got the sense that he could probably handle himself pretty well in real life, and he seemed to me to be in pretty good shape, physically.

I don't think I would ever want to mess with Tony Todd or Michael Dorn, either. They both are big dudes who look pretty athletic


The rest of these guys were just actors as far as I know, but they were pretty big guys (for actors):

In his prime, Jonathan Frakes, at 6'4" was a pretty big guy. I don't know if he was very athletic, but seems he could have been in his youth.

Michael Ansara and John DeLancie, both 6'2", probably could have kicked some ass their prime. The both looked reasonably in shape in their primes, anyway. Ansara also kinda has to get points for having been married to Barbara Eden, anyway.

 

[Melakon]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Does Britain still have mandatory national service? U.S. military has been all volunteer since the 70s.

 

[TrekGuide.com]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

A fun thing to do while watching Trek re-runs is to watch James Doohan's hands and try to spot his missing finger. Usually when Scotty is standing around, he is making a fist. When there are close-ups of him operating the transporter slider switches, it is usually a "stunt-hand."

 

[Commishsleer]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Does Britain still have mandatory national service? U.S. military has been all volunteer since the 70s.

Not British but the answer is 'No'.
I know some Australian raised Italians who were afraid to visit Italy in case they were drafted.

 

[Drone]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

A fun thing to do while watching Trek re-runs is to watch James Doohan's hands and try to spot his missing finger. Usually when Scotty is standing around, he is making a fist. When there are close-ups of him operating the transporter slider switches, it is usually a "stunt-hand."

I know it wasn't proffered in the series, but was the injury ever acknowledged non-canonically in a novel or other Trek platform?

As to the OP, the answer is clear. Abdullah II- Voyager: Investigations.

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Does Britain still have mandatory national service? U.S. military has been all volunteer since the 70s.

This doesn't relate directly to your question, Melakon (being that I'm American), but you reminded me of something that's weird to think about now: I believe my age group (I'm 51) were among the very last to have to sign up for the draft. I remember going down with two of my buddies to do so.

Actually, I don't know what's weirder: having had to do that, or the fact that we're still buddies!

 

[Nerys Myk]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

I'm 55 and don't recall signing up. But that was a long time ago. Looking at the wiki, I see the President reinstated draft registration for men born after January 1, 1960 after the draft was ended in 70s.

 

[Borough 31]

Re: So anyone know which Trek actor was the toughest bada## in reality

Will Wheaton, absolutely.