Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Actors Who’ve Been in Both
Star Trek and Star Wars stand as titans of science fiction, each with its own sprawling universe of films, shows, and loyal fans. While Star Trek dives into exploration and moral dilemmas, Star Wars thrives on epic battles and mythic storytelling, yet both share a surprising connection through actors who’ve crossed their paths.
These performers have brought to life characters in both franchises, from starship bridges to distant galaxies, proving that talent transcends rival fandoms. Below, I explore the actors who’ve left their mark on both Star Trek and Star Wars, highlighting their roles and contributions to these iconic worlds.
Simon Pegg
Simon Pegg is a familiar face in modern sci-fi, bringing charm to both franchises. In Star Trek, he played Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott in J.J. Abrams’ reboot trilogy, starting with ‘Star Trek’ (2009) and continuing in ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013) and ‘Star Trek Beyond’ (2016). His witty take on the engineer made Scotty a fan favorite.
Pegg also stepped into Star Wars as Unkar Plutt, the gruff junk trader in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015). Hidden under heavy prosthetics, he was nearly unrecognizable, dealing with Rey on Jakku. His work with Abrams, a director for both franchises, likely paved the way for these roles.
George Takei
George Takei is a Star Trek legend, known for playing Hikaru Sulu in ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1966-1969) and six films, from ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’ (1979) to ‘Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country’ (1991). His portrayal of the confident helmsman broke barriers and remains iconic.
In Star Wars, Takei lent his voice to Lok Durd, a Nemoidian general, in an episode of ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020). Though a smaller role, his distinctive voice added depth to the animated series, showing his versatility across sci-fi giants.
Brent Spiner
Brent Spiner brought Data, the beloved android, to life in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994) and four films, starting with ‘Star Trek: Generations’ (1994). He also played Data’s creator, Dr. Soong, and other androids like Lore, showcasing his range.
Spiner crossed into Star Wars with a voice role as Gall Trayvis, a deceptive senator, in ‘Star Wars: Rebels’ (2014-2018). His performance as a cunning politician added a layer of intrigue, proving he could handle morally complex characters in both universes.
Ron Perlman
Ron Perlman, known for gritty roles, appeared in Star Trek as Reman Viceroy, a menacing alien in ‘Star Trek: Nemesis’ (2002). Buried under prosthetics, he served as the right-hand to the film’s villain, Shinzon, in a dark chapter of the franchise.
In Star Wars, Perlman voiced Gha Nachkt, a shady Trandoshan scrap dealer, in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020). His rough, distinctive voice fit the character perfectly, adding to the show’s roster of memorable rogues.
Greg Grunberg
Greg Grunberg, a frequent collaborator with J.J. Abrams, voiced Kirk’s stepfather in a brief role in ‘Star Trek’ (2009), stepping in for deleted scenes. He later played Commander Finnegan in ‘Star Trek Beyond’ (2016), facing off against Krall’s forces.
In Star Wars, Grunberg portrayed Snap Wexley, a Resistance pilot, in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015), ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017), and ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019). His rugged charm made Snap a reliable figure in the sequel trilogy’s battles.
Deep Roy
Deep Roy, a versatile stunt performer and actor, played Keenser, Scotty’s silent alien assistant, in J.J. Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’ (2009), ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013), and ‘Star Trek Beyond’ (2016). His expressive performance needed no dialogue.
In Star Wars, Roy took on multiple roles, including Droopy McCool, a musician in Jabba’s band, and an Ewok in ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi’ (1983). He also served as a stand-in for Yoda in ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980).
Olivia D’Abo
Olivia D’Abo played Amanda Rogers, a young intern with hidden Q powers, in a memorable episode of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994). Her character’s journey from student to godlike being was a standout moment.
D’Abo later voiced Luminara Unduli, a Jedi Master, in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020) and other media. Her poised performance brought grace to the character, connecting her Star Trek role’s supernatural elements to Star Wars’ Force wielders.
George Coe
George Coe appeared in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994) as Chancellor Durken, a cautious leader in the episode ‘First Contact.’ His diplomatic role highlighted the show’s focus on cultural encounters.
In Star Wars, Coe voiced Tee Watt Kaa, a pacifist alien, in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020). His calm, reasoned performance echoed his Star Trek character, showing his knack for portraying thoughtful figures.
Ian Abercrombie
Ian Abercrombie guest-starred in ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ (1995-2001) as Abbott, a strict overseer, and Milo, a comedic drunk, in two episodes. His range shone through in these contrasting roles.
In Star Wars, Abercrombie voiced Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Sidious in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020) and other media, delivering a chilling performance as the Sith Lord until his passing in 2012.
Fionnula Flanagan
Fionnula Flanagan played three roles across Star Trek, including Enina Tandro in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993-1999), Vulcan Ambassador V’Lar in ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ (2001-2005), and Dr. Juliana Tainer, Data’s ‘mother,’ in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994).
In Star Wars, she portrayed Catarine Towani in the TV movie ‘Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure’ (1984). Her role as a stranded human among Ewoks added warmth to the lighthearted film.
Felix Silla
Felix Silla, a skilled stunt performer, played a Talosian, the telepathic alien, in ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ (1966-1969) pilot ‘The Cage.’ His small stature and expressive movements fit the eerie character.
In Star Wars, Silla was an Ewok in ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi’ (1983), bringing energy to the forest-dwelling warriors. His circus background helped him shine in these physically demanding roles.
Clancy Brown
Clancy Brown appeared in ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ (2001-2005) as Zobral, a rebel leader, in a single episode. His commanding presence suited the character’s intensity.
Brown’s Star Wars roles are extensive, voicing characters like Savage Opress and Ryder Azadi in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020) and ‘Star Wars: Rebels’ (2014-2018), and playing Burg in ‘The Mandalorian’ (2019-present). He also reprised his role as Ryder Azadi in live-action ‘Ahsoka’ (2023-present) series. His deep voice and gravitas elevate every role.
Sam Witwer
Sam Witwer had small roles in Star Trek, including Sloth #3 in ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ (2001-2005) and voicing the Guardian of Forever in the fan-made ‘Star Trek: New Voyages.’ His contributions were minor but notable.
In Star Wars, Witwer’s work is far more prominent, voicing Darth Maul, The Son, and others in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020) and ‘Star Wars: Rebels’ (2014-2018). His dynamic performances made Maul a fan-favorite villain.
Christopher Lloyd
Christopher Lloyd played Commander Kruge, a ruthless Klingon, in ‘Star Trek III: The Search for Spock’ (1984). His intense performance as the villain who killed Kirk’s son left a lasting impact.
In Star Wars, Lloyd appeared as Commissioner Helgait in ‘The Mandalorian’ (2019-present), a small but memorable role. His eccentric energy fit perfectly in the galaxy far, far away.
Ed Begley Jr.
Ed Begley Jr. guest-starred in ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ (1995-2001) as Henry Starling, a tech mogul with stolen future technology, in a two-part episode. His scheming character clashed with the Voyager crew.
In Star Wars, Begley voiced Boba Fett in the 1996 radio play adaptation of ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.’ His performance added new depth to the iconic bounty hunter.
Patty Maloney
Patty Maloney played a little woman in the ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ (1995-2001) episode ‘The Thaw,’ a haunting creation of a villainous clown. Her brief role was striking.
In Star Wars, Maloney portrayed Lumpy, Chewbacca’s son, in the infamous ‘Star Wars Holiday Special’ (1978). Despite the special’s mixed reception, her performance brought heart to the Wookiee family.
Brian George
Brian George appeared in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993-1999) as Richard Bashir, Julian’s father, and in ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ (1995-2001) as Ambassador O’Zaal. His roles showed his range in dramatic and diplomatic parts.
In Star Wars, George voiced Ki-Adi-Mundi and other characters in ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008-2020) and games like ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.’ His voice work added gravitas to the Jedi.
Clive Revill
Clive Revill played Sir Guy of Gisbourne in a whimsical ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994) episode, where the crew was transported to a Robin Hood fantasy. His comedic take stood out.
In Star Wars, Revill provided the voice of Emperor Palpatine in ‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980), delivering a chilling performance that defined the Sith Lord’s early menace.
Carel Struycken
Carel Struycken was Mr. Homn, Lwaxana Troi’s silent assistant, in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987-1994). His towering presence and subtle expressions made the role memorable.
In Star Wars, Struycken played King Terak in ‘Ewoks: The Battle for Endor’ (1985), a TV movie. His imposing figure suited the villainous leader, adding menace to the Ewok-centric story.
Which actor’s crossover between Star Trek and Star Wars surprised you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!