Robin Williams really should’ve been on Star Trek at some point.
Looper recently posted an article talking about how Robin Williams was once supposed to be on Star Trek: The Next Generation. It would’ve been in the fifth season episode “A Matter of Time”, where he would’ve played Berlinghoff Rasmussen, a role that later went to brilliant character actor Matthew Frewer. This isn’t a recent revelation, but the series is 60 years old and is constantly bringing in new fans all the time.
So it’s new to someone.
What fans may not realize is that Williams also wanted to be on Voyager, as he was a huge fan of the show as well. In fact, Robins was largely just a huge Star Trek fan, dating back to the Original Series. Williams was such a fan that some speculate he brought aspects of it to his hit sci-fi comedy, Mork and Mindy.
It’s for all these reasons and so many more that make the fact he wasn’t able to appear on Star Trek before his passing all the more tragic.
Robin Williams would’ve been perfect in any role on Star Trek
Williams is known for his hilarity and comedy stylings but what sometimes gets overlooked is his general brilliance as an actor. He had limitless range and could probably play any role without it being too unbelievable.
This is a talent that many recurring actors have to have on Star Trek because you never know who or what role you’ll play. Especially if you’re a returning guest star. For instance, James Cromwell brought Zefram Cochrane to life in Star Trek: First Contact.
Except, that was his fourth appearance in Star Trek, portraying a new character each time. In the Next Generation, he played Nayrok and later Jaglom Shrek, while in Deep Space Nine he played a character named Hanok.
Now could you imagine Williams playing three or four different characters across each version of the franchise post-Mork and Mindy?
That creativity he had, the dynamic personalities he would’ve created and the sheer fun he would’ve brought with him to the roles make it one of the most missed opportunities of all time.