It looks like Star Trek is about to beam up an iconic soap opera star, but who will she be playing and on which series will she be starring?
Star Trek is no stranger to some fantastic guest stars over its long run and many shows. They range from Oscar winners to popular TV actors, and the show lets actors shine in these brief but memorable parts.
It’s often fun when the actor is a fan of the Trek franchise. Yet it’s also intriguing when someone whose resume never screamed out for sci-fi or genre shows takes a role in a Trek series as well. Now, we’re getting that as soap opera icon Deidre Hall broke the surprising news to The TV Watercooler that she’s shot a role in a Trek series!
Speaking about her recent travels, Hall shared she had just been filming in Toronto: “I was just there! I was up there doing Star Trek. I love Toronto.” When pressed on details, Hall teased, “Ask me what I play on Star Trek… It’s not who, it’s what!”
The answer is “a psychiatrist.” That’s an intriguing hint to whom Hall will portray, but whatever role, she should be great in it!
Why Deidre Hall is perfect for Star Trek
While she’s had roles in some TV shows (like the 1970s cult-fave Electra Woman and Dyna Girl ) and movies, Deidre Hall is best known as one of the icons of daytime soap operas.
In 1976, she began her role as Marlena Evans on the NBC soap Days of Our Lives, a part she has played almost continuously for 45 years and for which she has earned numerous awards.
Hall has been through a lot on that show with Marlena going through numerous romances, bouts of amnesia, being believed dead a couple of time, brainwashed into thinking she was a serial killer and, oh yes, possessed by the devil. Somehow, Hall manages to make it all work and become one of the genre’s most beloved stars.
With a history like that, if any soap opera actress can tackle the world of Star Trek, it’s Hall. Let’s face it, compared to demonic possession, taking on alien threats is a walk in the park. It’s notable that she hasn’t confirmed if she'll be appearing in either Strange New Worlds or Starfleet Academy, as both offer some potential for her character.
SNW would fit the role of a psychiatrist, given all the numerous issues with the crew. It’s perfect to have an episode featuring her doctor doing sessions with the crew members offering their personal problems and tying into a wider story. It’s also possible that Hall appears on Academy as a therapist for the cadets, perhaps after a grueling training exercise or tragedy.
It'd be easy for the writers to insert a joke on Hall's character mentioning her own strange experiences to tie into her Days role. Heck, maybe a character named Stefano even shows up. It's also a fun way to get some eyes on the show with Days fans wanting to see Hall stretch her legs in a different role.
Whichever show it ends up being, Hall should bring her usual charm and skill to the part and likely rank among the best Star Trek guest stars in a while!
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Days of Our Lives is available to stream on Peacock.