‘Star Trek’ Guest Stars Who Shaped the Show’s 60-Year Legacy: Elinor Donahue to Joan Collins and More

If Star Trek has endured for nearly 60 years—and shows no signs of slowing down—it can’t just be due to Kirk, Spock and McCoy. It’s because, week after week, the series brought in a remarkable roster of guest stars who didn’t simply fill out the cast, but helped build the world created by Gene Roddenberry. In many ways, they offered a tapestry of characters and performances that have continued to resonate across decades and have managed to live on despite their single appearances.

You can see that impact right from the beginning. In “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” Gary Lockwood and Sally Kellerman helped define the series’ thematic ambition, exploring the dangers of unchecked power through characters who begin as trusted colleagues and evolve into something far more tragic. It set a tone that Star Trek would return to again and again.

Then there’s Jane Wyatt—forever associated with Father Knows Best—who brought warmth and emotional clarity as Spock’s mother, Amanda. Her presence grounded one of the franchise’s most iconic characters in something deeply human. And speaking of classic television royalty, Elinor Donahue—with credits ranging from The Andy Griffith Show to The Odd Couple—added her own familiar charm to the Star Trek universe, reinforcing how the show drew from television’s rich talent pool.

Of course, no discussion would be complete without Ricardo Montalbán, whose portrayal of Khan in “Space Seed” elevated the idea of a guest star into something more enduring. Fifteen years later, that single appearance would echo into one of the most celebrated Star Trek films ever made, 1982’s The Wrath of Khan.

Together, these performers—and so many others—did more than guest star. They helped shape Star Trek into the cultural landmark it remains today, proving its longevity as shocking to those who were there as to anyone else.

“When we filmed it, obviously, we didn’t know it would go on the way it has,” Donahue muses to Woman’s World, “but Star Trek certainly became a phenomenon very early on. You could see that it was going to have legs for a long time, because they would have those Star Trek conventions throughout the ’70s. I was usually invited, but I never wanted to go, because I thought, ‘Well, gee, I was only in the one episode. That doesn’t seem right.’ But I did eventually go to a Las Vegas convention for the show’s 50th anniversary. That was quite wonderful and quite fun.” And, it should be noted, the audience absolutely adored her and the fact that she was there.

1. Michael Ansara (Commander Kang)

Character/episode: Michael Ansara portrayed Commander Kang in the Season 3 episode “Day of the Dove.” Kang is a proud and formidable Klingon captain who finds himself trapped aboard the Enterprise along with his crew, manipulated by an unseen alien entity that feeds on violent emotions. Initially presented as an adversary to Captain Kirk, Kang’s character evolves over the course of the episode as both sides realize they are being used. The character proved so enduring that Ansara reprised Kang in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager.

Best known for: Michael Ansara was a prolific character actor whose career spanned film and television, often portraying authoritative or imposing figures. Beyond Star Trek, he was widely recognized for his role as Cochise in the 1950s Western series Broken Arrow, as well as for numerous guest appearances across television in the 1960s and beyond. Ansara also had a notable voice acting career, including work as Mr. Freeze in Batman: The Animated Series. Born on April 15, 1922, in Syria, he built a long and varied career in Hollywood before passing away on July 31, 2013, at the age of 91.

Michael Ansara says: “What a magnificent character to play! Immediately, just from reading the script, I knew how special the role was and how rare it was to find a character like this in either television or film. Kang had nobility and that’s a quality that I have always been fascinated by. People seemed to like [that 1968 segment], and I loved doing it.” (Startrek.com)

2. Roger C. Carmel (Harry Mudd)

3. Ted Cassidy (Ruk)

4. John Colicos (Commander Kor)

Character/episode: John Colicos was cast as Kor, the first Klingon commander seen on screen, in the Season 1 episode “Errand of Mercy.” As the Klingon military governor of the strategically important planet Organia, Kor embodies the Empire’s expansionist and militaristic philosophy during its cold war–style conflict with the Federation. Unlike later, more physically aggressive Klingons, Kor is urbane, intelligent and even charming, taking clear pleasure in the idea of conquest and war. His verbal sparring with Captain Kirk is one of the episode’s highlights, presenting two opposing ideologies rather than a simple hero-villain dynamic. Colicos’ performance effectively defined the Klingons in their first appearance and set the tone for their continued presence in the franchise. He later reprised the role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where Kor is portrayed as an aging warrior reflecting on his past glories.

Best known for: John Colicos was a Canadian actor with a strong reputation across stage, film and television. Beyond Star Trek, he is perhaps best remembered by science fiction fans for his role as Count Baltar in the original Battlestar Galactica (1978–1979), where he brought a similarly theatrical and calculating presence to the screen. Earlier in his career, he built a solid foundation in classical theater, performing extensively in Shakespearean productions and appearing with the Stratford Festival in Canada. Colicos also made numerous television guest appearances throughout the 1960s and 1970s, often cast in authoritative or villainous roles. Born December 10, 1928, in Toronto, Ontario, he maintained a long and varied career before his death on March 6, 2000, at the age of 71, following complications from a stroke.

John Colicos says: “I always thought of Kor as a futuristic Genghis Khan. I also suspect people like hmn because he had a sense of humor and a certain objectivity about himself. He wasn’t just an out-and-out villain, which was why I loved playing him.” (Chicago Tribune)

5. Joan Collins (Edith Keeler)

6. Yvonne Craig (Marta)

Character/episode: Yvonne Craig was Marta in the Season 3 episode “Whom Gods Destroy.” Marta is an Orion slave girl and one of the inmates at the Elba II asylum for the criminally insane, where Captain Kirk and Spock encounter the dangerously unhinged former Starfleet officer Garth of Izar. Marta is seductive, unpredictable and ultimately violent, using her charm to manipulate those around her before revealing her instability.

Best known for: Yvonne Craig was an American actress and dancer best known for her role as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon in the third season of the 1960s Batman television series (1967–1968), where she became a pop culture icon. Before that, she appeared in a variety of television shows and films throughout the 1960s, including a role opposite Elvis Presley in It Happened at the World’s Fair (1963). Craig trained as a ballet dancer and brought a physical expressiveness to many of her performances. After stepping away from acting, she later became involved in real estate and also worked as a memoirist. Born May 16, 1937, in Taylorville, Illinois, she passed away on August 17, 2015, at the age of 78 following a battle with breast cancer.

Yvonne Craig says: “Susan [Oliver, from ‘The Cage’] and I were supposed to be from the same planet. Only they couldn’t remember how they got Susan green in the first season episode–they somehow had lost the makeup. So, they had to devise a substitute formula. I had skid marks because the makeup wouldn’t stay on. Then, they sprayed me with Liquid Bandage, which has to be removed with acetone, so my skin was all burned–I was a walking disaster. When you perspire, Liquid Bandage won’t stick, so here I was, walking around with moss hanging from my armpits. It was just hideous. I would take two showers at the studio, then go home and take an oil bath, and then take another shower to get the remainder of it off. Then, I would start all over again the next day. Three weeks later, I still had traces of green makeup in the cuticles of my toes–I couldn’t get it out.’ (Starlog)

7. Elinor Donahue (Commissioner Nancy Hedford)

Character/episode: Elinor Donahue was cast as Commissioner Nancy Hedford in the Season 2 episode “Metamorphosis.” Hedford is a Federation official suffering from a terminal illness, being transported for medical treatment when her shuttle is pulled off course and crashes on a remote planet. There, she encounters Zefram Cochrane—the legendary inventor of warp drive—who has been kept alive by a mysterious, non-corporeal entity known as the Companion. Initially sharp-tongued and strong-willed, Hedford’s personality gradually softens as she forms a unique connection with the Companion, ultimately becoming the means through which it can experience human love.

Best known for: Elinor Donahue is best known for a number of classic TV appearances, most notably Betty “Princess” Anderson on Father Knows Best (1954–1960), where she became one of television’s most recognizable young stars. She later appeared as Ellie Walker on The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1961) and had a recurring role as Miriam Welby on The Odd Couple (1972–1975), further cementing her place in classic television history. With a career spanning decades, Donahue became known for her approachable charm and versatility across comedy and drama. Born April 19, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington, she remains a beloved figure among fans of classic television. She is 88.

Elinor Donahue says: “William Shatner was interesting, let’s put it that way. We ended up getting along fine. He was a little tough on me in the beginning, because, like I said, I’m not good at rehearsals, I think I scare people or used to scare people in rehearsals, ’cause it always seemed to me as though they thought that I wasn’t going to be able to do it right. I guess I kind of pull that out of the fire at the last minute. He got a little annoyed with me during the table read and the director said, ‘Just leave her alone, will you?’ But it was fine. He saw that I was professional about my work and giving my best. That’s all you can ask somebody, is to do their best and it’s what I’ve always tried to do.”

8. Teri Garr (Roberta Lincoln)

Character/episode: Teri Garr was Roberta Lincoln in the Season 2 episode “Assignment: Earth.” Roberta is the secretary to Gary Seven, a mysterious human agent working on behalf of an advanced alien race to guide Earth’s development. Initially unaware of her employer’s true mission, Roberta becomes an unexpected ally to Captain Kirk and Spock when they are thrown back in time to 1968. Intelligent, resourceful and increasingly aware of the larger stakes, she plays a key role in helping prevent a catastrophic nuclear incident. The episode was intended as a backdoor pilot for a proposed spin-off series centered on Gary Seven, with Garr’s Roberta positioned as a co-lead, though the series was never produced.

Best known for: Teri Garr rose to prominence in the 1970s with roles in films such as Young Frankenstein (1974), where she played Inga, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Tootsie (1982). Earlier in her career, she worked as a dancer and appeared in several Elvis Presley films in uncredited roles. Born December 11, 1944, in Lakewood, Ohio, Garr later became an advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness after being diagnosed with the disease. She passed away on October 29, 2024, at the age of 79.

9. Frank Gorshin (Bele)

Character/episode: Frank Gorshin played Bele in the Season 3 episode “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.” Bele is a fugitive from the planet Cheron, relentlessly pursued by Commissioner Lokai (Lou Antonio). The two are distinguished by their striking half-black, half-white faces—though with the colors reversed—serving as a powerful allegory for racial hatred and intolerance. Charismatic yet unhinged, Bele commandeers the Enterprise in his obsessive quest to capture Lokai, ultimately revealing the self-destructive nature of his prejudice.

Best known for: Frank Gorshin was an American actor and impressionist best known for his portrayal of the Riddler on the 1960s Batman television series (1966–1968), a role that showcased his frenetic energy and distinctive laugh and made him a pop culture standout. In addition to Star Trek, he appeared widely across television in the 1950s through the 1970s, and was also a celebrated impressionist, known for his uncanny celebrity impressions, which he performed in nightclubs and on variety shows, including frequent appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Born April 5, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he passed away on May 17, 2005, at the age of 72.

Frank Gorshin says: “That was a significant episode, in as much as it made a social comment at that time. We’re talking 1966. It was a racial thing. I played a character who was black on the right side and white on the left side, and my adversary was the opposite. He was black on the left side and white on the right side.” (RealityCheckTV.com)

10. Clint Howard (Balok)

Character/episode: Clint Howard was Balok in the Season 1 episode “The Corbomite Maneuver.” Initially, the Enterprise crew encounters a menacing alien presence represented by a puppet-like figure, who threatens their destruction. This turns out to be a bluff designed to test the crew’s reactions. The real Balok—played by Howard—is revealed to be a childlike but highly intelligent alien who ultimately shows curiosity and friendliness rather than hostility. His encounter with Captain Kirk helps establish a theme that would become central to Star Trek: that not all unknown life forms are enemies, and understanding can replace fear.

Best known for: Clint Howard’s career has spanned decades, beginning as a child actor in the 1960s. He is widely recognized for his long association with his brother, director Ron Howard, appearing in many of his films, including Apollo 13 (1995), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). Howard also made numerous appearances across television, including roles in Gentle Ben (1967–1969) and later Star Trek series such as Deep Space Nine, Enterprise and Discovery, making him one of the few actors to appear across multiple iterations of the franchise. Born April 20, 1959, in Burbank, California, he has maintained a steady and recognizable presence in film and television for more than six decades.

Clint Howard says: “I remember preparing for the job. My dad has always been about preparation. So, as a young actor, I always went in being very prepared. They were originally going to use my voice, but they ended up using a synthesizer. That was brand-new thing, a synthesizer. Anyway, I had to learn the scene and, for a little guy like me at that time, it was a mouthful. So I remember all my preparation. Then, I remember being on the bridge. I made sure my dad took a picture of me standing there, and sitting in the captain’s chair. Everyone was real friendly. But the experience of shooting it, that was like doing any other scene. You have your lines and you do it and the next thing you know you’re done.” (startrek.com)

11. Sally Kellerman (Dr. Elizabeth Dehner)

12. Robert Lansing (Gary Seven)

Character/episode: Robert Lansing was Gary Seven in the Season 2 episode “Assignment: Earth.” Seven is a human raised by an advanced alien civilization and sent back to Earth as an agent tasked with subtly guiding humanity’s development—particularly during critical moments of the Cold War. Operating out of a hidden office with advanced technology, he is assisted by his secretary, Roberta Lincoln, and his mysterious cat, Isis. Initially viewed with suspicion by Captain Kirk and Spock when they are transported to 1968, Seven ultimately proves to be working to prevent a nuclear catastrophe. The episode was conceived as a backdoor pilot for a potential spin-off series centered on Gary Seven, with Lansing positioned as its lead, though the project was never picked up.

Best known for: Robert Lansing starred in the science fiction series The Man Who Never Was (1966) and later headlined the military drama 12 O’Clock High (1964–1967), taking over the lead role in its later seasons. He also appeared in numerous television series throughout the 1960s and 1970s, often cast in strong, commanding roles. Born June 5, 1928, in San Diego, California, he passed away on October 23, 1994, at the age of 66 following a heart attack.

Robert Lansing says: “The fun with that show was working with the cats. We had three black cats, that was because in those days, the theory was that you couldn’t train cats. Cats would have a certain propensity—one would like somebody, would want to follow them around, so that day you would release the cat that would probably do what you wanted it to do. One of the cats took a great liking to me, it was always loose on the set when I was working, so it happened, but the stuff on the rocket gantry was all ad lib. I would say something like, ‘Isis, come on, you’re getting in the way, you know there is a bit of a hurry, this is not the time to be jealous.’ We added the meows in later.” (starlog)

13. Gary Lockwood (Gary Mitchell)

14. William Marshall (Dr. Richard Daystrom)

Character/episode: William Marshall appeared as Dr. Richard Daystrom in the Season 2 episode “The Ultimate Computer.” Daystrom is a brilliant and highly respected scientist, credited with revolutionary advances in computer technology, who develops the M-5 multitronic unit—an artificial intelligence system designed to replace human decision-making aboard starships. Initially hailed as a breakthrough, the M-5 begins to act independently and dangerously, escalating a series of war games into real attacks on Federation vessels. As the crisis unfolds, it becomes clear that Daystrom has imprinted aspects of his own personality into the machine, contributing to its instability.

Best known for: William Marshall was an actor, director and opera singer known for his commanding voice and stage presence. He is perhaps best remembered for portraying the title role in the cult horror film Blacula (1972) and its sequel Scream Blacula Scream (1973), performances that helped redefine the vampire genre within the context of 1970s cinema. Marshall also had a distinguished career in theater, including Shakespearean roles, and made many TV appearances. Born August 19, 1924, in Gary, Indiana, he passed away on June 11, 2003, at the age of 78.

15. Ricardo Montalban (Khan Noonien Singh)

16. Julie Newmar (Eleen)

17. Vic Tayback (Jojo Krako)

Character/episode: Vic Tayback found himself cast as Jojo Krako in the Season 2 episode “A Piece of the Action.” Krako is a gangster operating on the planet Sigma Iotia II, a world whose culture has been modeled entirely on a book about 1920s Chicago mobsters left behind by an earlier Starfleet visit. As a rival to the dominant crime boss Bela Oxmyx, Krako is aggressive, calculating and constantly maneuvering for power. When Captain Kirk and Spock arrive, they find themselves caught in the middle of a full-blown mob war, with Krako serving as one of the primary antagonists.

Best known for: Vic Tayback’s standout role was Mel Sharples, the gruff but ultimately warm-hearted diner owner on the sitcom Alice (1976–1985), a performance that earned him two Golden Globe Awards. He first played the character in the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974), directed by Martin Scorsese, before reprising it on television. Born January 6, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, he passed away on May 25, 1990, at the age of 60 following a heart attack.

18. Jane Wyatt (Amanda Grayson)

Character/Episode: Jane Wyatt appeared as Amanda Grayson, the human mother of Spock, in the Season 2 episode “Journey to Babel.” As the wife of Vulcan ambassador Sarek, Amanda provides a crucial emotional counterbalance within Spock’s family, representing the human side of his heritage. Warm, perceptive and quietly strong, she offers insight into Spock’s internal conflict between logic and emotion, particularly in her interactions with Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy. Wyatt reprised the role in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), further cementing Amanda as an important figure in Spock’s personal history and the broader Star Trek universe.

Best known for:  How does a fan of classic TV not recognize Jane Wyatt as Margaret Anderson on the long-running family sitcom Father Knows Best (1954–1960), for which she won three Emmy Awards. She also appeared in numerous films, including Lost Horizon (1937) and Gentleman’s Agreement (1947) and maintained a steady career for decades. Born August 12, 1910, in Campgaw, New Jersey, she passed away on October 20, 2006, at the age of 96.

‘Star Trek’ guest stars: quick facts and trivia

• The classic episode “The Trouble with Tribbles” remains one of the most beloved hours of the original series among Star Trek fans.
• Joan Collins’ Edith Keeler in “The City on the Edge of Forever” is often ranked among the franchise’s most tragic and memorable guest roles.
• Several guest stars went on to return in later series, including Diana Muldaur, who later became a series regular on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
• William Campbell notably reprised his role as the villainous Trelane in expanded Star Trek media beyond the original series.
• Majel Barrett, though often associated with the franchise behind the scenes, also made memorable on-screen appearances across multiple Star Trek series.
• Leonard Nimoy’s Spock shared the screen with many of these guest stars, helping elevate their characters into lasting parts of Trek lore.
• The impact of characters like Khan carried forward into films such as Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, proving how powerful a single guest appearance could be.
• Guest characters introduced in the original series continued to influence later shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, expanding the universe in unexpected ways.