Star Trek fans know and appreciate the acting talents of those chosen few fortunate enough to take the role of captain across several series ever since the original television show aired in September of 1966. While each actor brought something special to the series he or she starred in, they all have other surprising talents that lie outside the acting world.
1. William Shatner: A part-time scribe
While Wiliam Shatner is an Emmy-winning actor and known to millions as Captain James T. Kirk, he is also an accomplished novelist. In addition to several Star Trek-related books, he created the 9-book series Tekwar (with assistance from ghostwriter Ron Goulart.)This series takes place in 2044, in Los Angeles, where ex-police officer Jake Cardigan tries to clear his name by working as a private investigator after being framed and cryo-imprisoned for nearly 5 years. While reviews for the series were mixed, it spawned a comic book series and a TV version that aired on CTV in 1994.
Patrick Stewart: the piano man
There’s little doubt that Sir Patrick Stewart’s acting legacy is assured. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed knighthood upon him for his contributions to drama and the arts. While Stewart gained worldwide notoriety as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, it might surprise viewers to learn that he is a talented and passionate piano player. Having played since childhood, he’s brought this talent to the screen more than once including a solo in X-Men, the Last Stand. Music and acting often go hand in hand, so there’s little surprise that Stewart’s talents aren’t limited to the stage and screen.
Kate Mulgrew: one name, many voices
Kate Mulgrew was no stranger to the small screen by the time she earned the role of Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager. She appeared in the daytime drama Ryan’s Hope from 1975-1978, and in the Columbo-based spinoff Kate Loves a Mystery (formerly Mrs. Columbo.) Offscreen, she lends her talents to voicing a variety of animated characters and series including Gargoyles and Batman: The Animated Series. Fans may also recognize her voice in several video games, including Lords of Everquest.
Scott Bakula: the captain with the golden pipes
Long before Scott Bakula took the con as Jonathan Archer on Star Trek: Enterprise, he appeared on stage, in films, and on the small screen in roles that showcased his talent as a singer. Bakula’s hit series Quantum Leap (1989-1993) provided him with multiple opportunities to sing and play piano, and the show’s soundtrack includes Bakula singing hits such as “Imagine,” “Man of La Mancha,” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Bakula also gave his voice to Danny, the cat with big Hollywood dreams in the 1997 animated film, Cats Don’t Dance. To this day, his fans wonder why he didn’t sing the theme for Star Trek: Enterprise, (“Where my Heart Will Take Me”) as it may have been more well-received if he had!
From writing to talent with music and beyond, these 4 Star Trek actors who earned a captain’s rank all have surprising talents in creative ventures. We fans are so fortunate to have such multi-talented individuals occupy the captain’s chair, no matter the series!