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.”
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.
Vaughn Armstrong as Admiral Maxwell Forrest
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."
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.
Michael Dorn as Lieutenant Worf
Here’s an epic bit of Trekkie trivia for you: First appearing in the pilot episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and enjoying a career that carried all the way through to "Star Trek: Nemesis," Michael Dorn gets to boast the most appearances of any actor in the whole franchise. What an honor! Dorn’s Star Trek career adds up to an incredible 272 episodes and five films.
After such a monumental run with the show, Dorn was left with a pretty impressive CV, which has helped him secure many a supporting role. He is, however, picky with his roles, preferring independent films. He also has the most bad-ass side hustle ever: Dorn is a highly skilled pilot and owns and operates his own Lockheed T-33 trainer jet. We’re sure you’re not at all surprised to learn that his nickname for the plane is “starship.”