Vaughn Armstrong has had 27 appearances on Star Trek. Compared to some of the veterans we’ve just visited, that doesn’t sound like so much, right? What if we told you that, in those 27 episodes, he took on the forms of eight distinct races to play a total of 11 different characters? Suddenly way more impressive!
While all that characterization sounds like a lot of work, this talented actor has still had plenty of time to explore the realms outside of Star Trek, appearing in a number of hit TV shows, including “Mad Men,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Modern Family,” and “Criminal Minds.”
Dominic Keating as Lieutenant Malcolm Reed
Dominic Keating’s run on Star Trek was epic, spanning all 98 episodes of the show, from 2001 to 2005. Keating’s character, Lt. Malcolm Reed, was both a tactical officer and an armory officer aboard the Starship USS Enterprise. Reed’s tactical contributions to the storylines were of vital importance, so this was no small role for Keating.
While Lt. Malcolm Reed made Keating a household name (at least among Trekkies), many people also know him from his roles in "Jungle 2 Jungle" and "Beowulf." Keating is still going strong in the acting world and appeared in "Once Upon a Time in London."
Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer
Scott Bakula is a veteran of science fiction, with starring roles in two of the most critically acclaimed series to hit our televisions. You may recognize him as Sam Beckett from "Quantum Leap," a role for which he received a Golden Globe award and four Emmy nominations. As much as we loved him in "Quantum Leap," this role is not the reason he’s made it onto our list.
Star Trek fans will be more fond of Bakula for his portrayal of Captain Jonathan Archer in the "Star Trek: Enterprise" series. Since his role in the iconic sci-fi series came to an end, Bakula has enjoyed roles in a wide variety of TV shows and Hollywood films.
Michelle Forbes as Ensign Ro Laren
With a run that far outstripped Ramsay’s, Michelle Forbes enjoyed a solid three seasons of Star Trek goodness, playing Ensign Ro Laren. According to fan forums, wikis, and a number of polls, Ro Laren is up there in popularity. In fact, more than one poll has placed her as the second strongest female character in the eyes of fans.
When her time with Star Trek was up, this popular lady continued to impress her fans, taking roles in some of television's most popular series, including "The Killing," "24," and "True Blood." She also scored a role in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2."
Kim Cattrall as Vulcan Valeris
Since we’re already on the topic of stars you never realized were on Star Trek, it may surprise you to learn that, long before her days of prowling the streets of New York with Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall was a Trekkie. While most people know her as open-minded and upfront Samantha from HBO’s hit show, "Sex and the City," Kim Cattrall will remain a Vulcan in the hearts of all true Star Trek fans.
Cattrall’s character, Valeris, was under the mentorship of Captain Spock and excelled with his expert tutelage. Perhaps foreshadowing her "SATC" future, Cattrall designed her character’s headband and was also involved in the hair styling and even the development of the name.