Dr. Beverly Crusher is Star Trek: Discovery star Wilson Cruz’s “North Star”

Wilson Cruz keeps Dr. Beverly Crusher in mind with his role as ship’s counselor

Wilson Cruz portrays Dr. Hugh Culber on Star Trek: Discovery, both a physician and a counselor to the many crew members aboard the ship. Originally, he was the ship’s doctor only, but as the ship advanced into the 32nd century, he took on another role, one that involved helping the crew maintain good mental health, and Cruz, in a phone interview with Den of Geek, shared how he prepared for this new addition to his role as a doctor.

Cruz is a Star Trek: The Next Generation fan so he didn’t need to binge-watch the series again when he discovered his role on Discovery was changing. He told Den of Geek that he was a huge fan of Counselor Deanna Troi as well as Marina Sirtis so he remembered the episodes that were mostly Troi-centric. But, adding to that, Cruz said Beverly Crusher was his north star, and he keeps her at the forefront of his mind at all times.

Dr. Beverly Crusher should have been given more to do aboard the Enterprise

Portrayed by Gates McFadden, Dr. Crusher epitomized the caring, concerned doctor and, quite frankly, wasn’t utilized often enough. With her connection to Captain Jean-Luc Picard and her friendship with the other crew members, she was the perfect sounding board and didn’t hesitate to speak up when something wasn’t right to her.

Had Star Trek: The Next Generation writers written more episodes with her as the focal point, it would have given McFadden more of a chance to shine. Still, in the few scenes and episodes she was given, she managed to stand out. Okay, I’m not talking about “Sub Rosa.” By the way, that title means “done in secret,” and that entire episode should have remained a secret.

It’s not surprising that Crusher is Cruz’s north star, and the actor tries to combine aspects of her and Deanna Troi into his character in a way that doesn’t seem “forced.” This is just one more way he shows that he has extremely good taste.