If you loved Star Trek as a kid and spent many happy days role-playing Captain Kirk or pretending your mom's old Buick was the bridge of the USS Enterprise, then you'll probably understand Paul Giamatti's excitement over his role on the newest franchise series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
Giamatti, who plays the devious and cunning Klingon/Tellarite Nus Braka, is no stranger to the series and recently discussed his feelings on landing the role, telling People, "I didn't actually think I'd ever actually get a call! I made no secret about the fact that I loved the show, but I never thought it would actually be something that would happen… It's a top experience for me. I don't know that much else can top this. I still kind of can't believe that I got to do it."
Giamatti, who admits he's been a Star Trek fan since childhood, must feel like he's living the dream. He even enjoys the makeup process that transforms him into his antagonistic character! Despite all Giamatti's past acting roles and the awards he's received, his love of the franchise is a delight for us fans who know what it's like to feel this way.
When Star Trek actors grew up loving the franchise, it shows! From Wil Wheaton to Tim Russ, many actors whose names are nearly synonymous with their respective series today went to fandom meetups and watched The Original Series in syndication as kids!
Giamatti's joy over appearing on Starfleet Academy is a fine example of why you should never abandon your creative dreams. After all, today's cosplayer might be tomorrow's fashion designer on a future series, or, thanks to Star Trek, an awkward kid who writes fanfic grows into a successful writer (but still gets to write about Star Trek!)
You can watch Starfleet Academy on Paramount+ with new episodes dropping each Thursday through March 12. And for more Star Trek content, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.