Spock’s mother is one of the most important minor characters in Star Trek history.
Star Trek isn’t known for highlighting the mothers of characters as often as you’d think. Certainly not in a positive sense. Seven of Nine’s mothers took their child into Borg space to study a dangerous alien species. B’Elanna Torres’ mother basically rejected her due to not being Klingon enough. So it’s interesting and unique to not only see a character have a healthy relationship with his mother on Star Trek but for it to be so influential.
That’s why Spock’s mother, Amanda Grayson, usually stands out from above the rest. She’s seen as the perfect mother and one of the few people who can get Spock to tap into his emotions without the threat of him losing control. It’s why it was so important to Star Trek 2009 that Spock lose his mother, as it set up the perfect reason for Spock to lose control on the bridge.
She’s a massively important character and one that many actresses have played over the years, but who has played her and when?
Every woman who has played Star Trek’s Amanda Grayson
Jane Wyatt – Wyatt played Amanda in the second season of the original season, “Return to Babel”, establishing the first appearance of the character in Trek lore. She’d return to the role in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
Majel Barrett – The wife of Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, Barrett had a long list of Trek roles she’s played, one of whom was that of Amanda Grayson. She voiced Spock’s mother in The Animated Series episode “Yesteryear”.
Cynthia Blaise – Blaise played Spock’s mother in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier in a flashback scene where she gives birth to Kirk. Blaise is most known for her relationship with comedian Keegan-Michael Key.
Mia Kirshner – Kirshner has become the default name people think of when they think of Spock’s mother, appearing as Amanda Grayson in 12 different episodes so far.
Winona Ryder – Ryder played Amanda in the 2009 Star Trek reboot film, marking the biggest name to ever play the character so far.