Every Notable ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Actor Who Died

From unforgettable guest stars to beloved recurring figures, many actors who helped shape the world of ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ have passed away over the years. This list gathers notable performers who appeared on the series and honors what they brought to the show. You will find their character names, standout episodes, and when they died, so fans can remember their contributions with clarity and respect.

Majel Barrett-Roddenberry

She played Lwaxana Troi in multiple episodes and also served as the voice of the Enterprise computer throughout ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. Her episodes with Lwaxana include ‘Haven’, ‘Manhunt’, and ‘Half a Life’, where the character’s relationship with Deanna and the Betazoid culture took center stage. She continued voicing the computer across later ‘Star Trek’ series and films as well. She died on December 18, 2008 at the age of 76.

Leonard Nimoy

He appeared as Spock in the two part story ‘Unification’, which bridged the original era and ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. The episodes explored Vulcan and Romulan politics through Spock’s clandestine mission. His guest role connected the series to its broader legacy and deepened the ongoing themes of reunification. He died on February 27, 2015 at the age of 83.

James Doohan

He reprised Montgomery Scott in the episode ‘Relics’, where the Enterprise crew rescues Scotty from a transporter buffer after decades in stasis. The story paired Scotty with Geordi La Forge and highlighted engineering ingenuity across generations. The episode remains a fan favorite for its respectful handoff between crews. He died on July 20, 2005 at the age of 85.

DeForest Kelley

He made a brief cameo as an elderly Leonard McCoy in ‘Encounter at Farpoint’, the series premiere. The scene established continuity with the original crew and offered an early blessing for the new series. His appearance helped set the tone for tradition meeting the future on the Enterprise D. He died on June 11, 1999 at the age of 79.

Andreas Katsulas

He portrayed the Romulan commander Tomalak in episodes such as ‘The Enemy’ and ‘The Defector’, with later appearances tied to illusions and alternate timelines. His performances gave the Romulan Star Empire a cool and calculating face during the show’s peak diplomatic arcs. Tomalak’s confrontations with Captain Picard became signature Romulan moments on the series. He died on February 13, 2006 at the age of 59.

Mark Lenard

He returned as Sarek, bringing Vulcan gravitas to episodes like ‘Sarek’ and ‘Unification’. The series examined the ambassador’s struggle with Bendii Syndrome and his complex relationship with Spock. His scenes with Picard offered some of the show’s most emotional mind meld sequences. He died on November 22, 1996 at the age of 72.

David Warner

He appeared as Cardassian interrogator Gul Madred in ‘Chain of Command’, delivering the chilling line that tested Picard’s resolve about the number of lights. Warner’s work anchored one of the series’ most intense two part stories. He also played different roles in ‘Star Trek’ films, showing wide range within the franchise. He died on July 24, 2022 at the age of 80.

Paul Winfield

He starred as Captain Dathon of the Tamarians in ‘Darmok’, where communication relied on shared myth and metaphor. The episode became a landmark study in language and understanding across cultures. Winfield’s dignified performance helped cement the story as a franchise classic. He died on March 7, 2004 at the age of 62.

Ray Walston

He played Boothby, the wise Starfleet Academy groundskeeper first seen in ‘The First Duty’. Boothby provided guidance to cadets like Wesley Crusher and later appeared in other ‘Star Trek’ series. The character became a symbol of quiet mentorship within Starfleet. He died on January 1, 2001 at the age of 86.

William Morgan Sheppard

He portrayed Dr. Ira Graves in ‘The Schizoid Man’, a cybernetics pioneer whose mind transfer experiment entangled Data in a crisis of identity. The episode examined personhood and the ethics of consciousness. Sheppard’s performance added weight to the season’s exploration of artificial life. He died on January 6, 2019 at the age of 86.

Malachi Throne

He appeared as Senator Pardek in ‘Unification’, a key figure in the political drama surrounding Vulcan and Romulus. His character’s choices shaped the stakes of Spock’s mission. The role connected long standing Romulan intrigue with the Federation’s hopes for peace. He died on March 13, 2013 at the age of 84.

Norman Lloyd

He guest starred as Professor Richard Galen in ‘The Chase’, Picard’s former mentor who sparks a race to uncover a shared origin among galactic species. The episode delivered one of the series’ most memorable scientific revelations. Lloyd’s presence grounded the story in Picard’s academic past. He died on May 11, 2021 at the age of 106.

Wendy Hughes

She played Lieutenant Commander Nella Daren in ‘Lessons’, the stellar sciences officer whose relationship with Picard tested the captain’s boundaries. The episode balanced romance with the realities of command decisions. Hughes brought warmth and professionalism to a memorable one off role. She died on March 8, 2014 at the age of 61.

Jeremy Kemp

He portrayed Robert Picard in ‘Family’, the episode that followed ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ and focused on healing after trauma. Scenes at the Picard vineyard explored the captain’s roots and rivalry with his brother. Kemp’s work added depth to Picard’s backstory beyond the bridge. He died on July 19, 2019 at the age of 84.

Mitchell Ryan

He appeared as Kyle Riker in ‘The Icarus Factor’, exploring Riker’s strained relationship with his father. The episode revealed personal history behind the first officer’s choices about command and duty. Ryan’s performance gave the series a grounded father and son dynamic. He died on March 4, 2022 at the age of 88.

Jean Simmons

She guest starred as Admiral Norah Satie in ‘The Drumhead’, a courtroom drama about paranoia and civil liberties aboard the Enterprise. The episode examined how fear can erode due process within Starfleet. Simmons gave the admiral a commanding presence that sharpened the ethical debate. She died on January 22, 2010 at the age of 80.

Tony Jay

He appeared as Third Minister Campio in ‘Cost of Living’, which centered on Lwaxana Troi and her arranged marriage. The story contrasted rigid protocol with personal happiness for the Betazoid ambassador. Jay’s distinct voice and bearing made the minister memorable. He died on August 13, 2006 at the age of 73.

Stephen Hawking

He played himself as a holographic companion to Data in ‘Descent’, sharing a poker table with icons of science. The cameo celebrated curiosity and the meeting of human intellect with artificial intelligence. It also offered a rare real world figure inside the Starfleet holodeck. He died on March 14, 2018 at the age of 76.

John Neville

He appeared as Isaac Newton in the same ‘Descent’ holodeck scene that featured Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. The moment highlighted the show’s playful use of history to explore ideas. Neville’s brief turn added theatrical flair to a memorable cold open. He died on November 19, 2011 at the age of 86.

Madge Sinclair

She voiced Captain Silva La Forge in ‘Interface’, portraying Geordi’s mother during a crisis involving a lost starship. The episode dealt with grief and the hope of rescue through experimental technology. Sinclair also played a starship captain in a ‘Star Trek’ film, marking a milestone for on screen representation. She died on December 20, 1995 at the age of 57.

Lawrence Tierney

He played Cyrus Redblock in ‘The Big Goodbye’, a holodeck crime caper that tested the boundaries between simulation and reality. His gangster character menaced Picard’s Dixon Hill story while probing philosophical limits of the program. The episode became an early showcase for TNG’s holodeck storytelling. He died on February 26, 2002 at the age of 82.

Share your favorite performances from these ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ guests and recurring players in the comments below.