In the world of Star Trek, the actors not only bring their characters to life on-screen but also venture into the realm of directing. From its earliest cast to its most recent, there are examples of these talented individuals donning the director’s cap and successfully taking the reigns. While not all of their directorial endeavors go as planned, each one has its unique story to tell. In this article, we will explore 10 Star Trek actors who have made the leap from acting to directing, navigating the challenges and triumphs that come with it. So, grab your phaser and set course for the final frontier as we discover the talents behind the camera.
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René Auberjonois
René Auberjonois, best known for his role as Odo in Deep Space Nine, also had a successful career as a director. He directed a total of eight episodes during his time on the show. However, directing was not always an easy task for Auberjonois. In fact, he compared it to “leading an army into battle,” citing the relentless questions that needed answering. Despite the challenges, Auberjonois managed to bring his unique vision to the show and create some memorable episodes.
One episode that Auberjonois directed, titled “Prophet Motive,” proved to be particularly challenging for him. He mentioned that making decisions and dealing with the constant questions was not something he enjoyed. However, he persevered and delivered a compelling episode.
Auberjonois’ directing catalogue includes some of the all-time great episodes, such as “Waltz.” However, not all of his directed episodes were well-received. “Let He Who Is Without Sin…” is considered one of the lowest-rated episodes of Deep Space Nine. Behind-the-scenes issues added to the challenges of directing this episode. For example, Terry Farrell, who played Jadzia Dax, required a tent between shoots because she couldn’t be in direct sunlight for too long. Auberjonois had to personally find a tent for her. Additionally, the shooting location was covered in spiny tackburrs, a plant with thorns that easily poked through the skin, making the beach shoot far from pleasant.
Despite the challenges faced, Auberjonois continued to direct episodes throughout Deep Space Nine’s seven-season run. His directing career on the show ended with the episode “Strange Bedfellows.” Overall, Auberjonois left an indelible mark not only as an actor but also as a director on Deep Space Nine.
Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy, known for his iconic portrayal of Spock, also made a successful foray into directing. He directed the third Star Trek film, “The Search for Spock.” This marked Nimoy’s directorial debut, and he proved to be a natural talent behind the camera. The film was well-received both critically and commercially, solidifying Nimoy’s status as a director.
Nimoy’s success as a director continued with the Star Trek franchise. He went on to direct the fourth film, “The Voyage Home,” which was equally well-received. Nimoy’s ability to balance the science fiction elements with compelling storytelling made him a valuable asset to the franchise.
Nimoy’s legacy as a director extends beyond Star Trek. He directed other films such as “Three Men and a Baby” and “Funny About Love,” showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker. His contributions to the Star Trek franchise and the film industry as a whole cemented his legacy as not just an actor but also a talented director.
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Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes, who portrayed Will Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation, also found success behind the camera. He directed one of the most beloved Star Trek films, “First Contact.” Frakes brought his understanding of the franchise and its characters to the film, and the result was a critically acclaimed and commercially successful movie.
Following the success of “First Contact,” Frakes continued to direct within the Star Trek universe. He directed episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and later returned to direct two more films, “Insurrection” and “Nemesis.” Frakes’ knowledge of the franchise and his ability to capture its essence made him a go-to director for Star Trek projects.
Frakes’ success as a director extended beyond Star Trek as well. He directed episodes of other popular television shows such as “Castle,” “Burn Notice,” and “Leverage.” His versatility and talent as a director continue to be recognized in the industry.
Robert Duncan McNeill
Robert Duncan McNeill, known for his role as Tom Paris in Star Trek: Voyager, transitioned to directing after the show ended. He directed several episodes of Voyager, including the critically acclaimed “Riddles” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” McNeill’s transition from actor to director was seamless, and his understanding of the characters and the show’s tone shone through in his directing.
McNeill’s talents as a director did not go unnoticed. He went on to direct episodes of shows like “Dawson’s Creek,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Chuck.” His ability to bring out the best performances from actors and his keen eye for storytelling made him a sought-after director in the industry.
The episodes directed by McNeill on Voyager showcased his skill and creativity. With his critical acclaim and successful transition, McNeill established himself as a talented director in both the Star Trek universe and beyond.
Roxann Dawson
Roxann Dawson, who portrayed B’Elanna Torres in Star Trek: Voyager, also had a successful directing career. She directed several episodes of Voyager, including the critically acclaimed “The Raven” and “Workforce.” Dawson’s transition from actor to director was met with praise, as she brought a unique perspective to the show.
After Voyager ended, Dawson continued to pursue directing opportunities. She directed episodes of shows like “Cold Case,” “The Mentalist,” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” Her ability to bring out the emotional depth of a story and create compelling visuals made her a respected director in the industry.
Dawson’s success as a director extended beyond Star Trek. She proved her talent and versatility by directing a variety of genres and shows. Her contributions to the Star Trek franchise and her continued success as a director are a testament to her skill and dedication.
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton, known for his role as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, also made a mark as a director. He directed several episodes of The Next Generation, including the critically acclaimed “Ethics” and “Second Chances.” Burton’s transition to directing was seamless, as he brought his deep understanding of the show and its characters to his directing.
Burton’s recognition as a director continued beyond Star Trek. He directed episodes of popular television shows like “Charmed,” “JAG,” and “Threshold.” His ability to tell compelling stories and his attention to detail made him a respected director in the industry.
Burton’s contributions to the Star Trek franchise as both an actor and a director have solidified his legacy. His continued success as a director showcases his talent and passion for storytelling.
Michael Dorn
Michael Dorn, best known for his role as Worf in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, ventured into directing after his time on the shows. He directed several episodes of Deep Space Nine, including the critically acclaimed “Inquisition” and “In the Pale Moonlight.” Dorn’s transition from actor to director was met with praise, as he showcased his understanding of the characters and the show’s themes.
Dorn’s talents as a director extended beyond Star Trek. He went on to direct episodes of shows like “Castle,” “Heroes,” and “Revenge.” His ability to capture the essence of a story and create compelling visuals made him a sought-after director in the industry.
Dorn’s contributions to the Star Trek franchise as Worf and his subsequent success as a director are a testament to his skill and dedication. He continues to leave a lasting impact in the industry.
Nana Visitor
Nana Visitor, who portrayed Kira Nerys in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, also explored directing opportunities after the show ended. She directed several episodes of Deep Space Nine, including the critically acclaimed “Ties of Blood and Water” and “Honor Among Thieves.” Visitor’s transition from actor to director was met with praise, as she brought her understanding of the characters and the show’s political undertones to her directing.
Following her directorial success on Deep Space Nine, Visitor went on to direct episodes of shows like “Battlestar Galactica,” “CSI: NY,” and “Warehouse 13.” Her ability to bring out powerful performances and her attention to detail made her a respected director in the industry.
Visitor’s contributions to the Star Trek franchise as both an actor and a director showcase her versatility and talent. Her continued success in directing beyond Star Trek is a testament to her skill and passion for storytelling.
In conclusion, these Star Trek actors turned directors have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the industry as a whole. Their talent, dedication, and ability to bring out the best in a story have made them respected directors both within and beyond Star Trek. Whether it’s behind the camera or in front of it, these actors have truly crossed the final frontier and made their mark in the world of directing.