The Matter of Major Star Trek: The Next Generation Actors After Their Departure

Since its premiere in 1987, Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) has captured the hearts and minds of many fans. The serial nature of the show means that certain actors have left their characters behind, and some have passed away over the years. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the major TNG actors who have departed, both in terms of the actors' lives and the characters they portrayed.

Notable Deaths Among Major Star Trek: The Next Generation Actors

Several major actors from Star Trek: The Next Generation have indeed passed away. Here is a brief overview of some of the most notable actors and characters:

1. Michael Piller and Ronald D. Moore: Both producer and writer, and co-creator of Star Trek: The Next Generation respectively, have passed away. They were not part of the main cast but played significant roles in shaping the show. Michael Piller died in 2012, while Ronald D. Moore passed away in 2015.

2. Whoopi Goldberg: Although not a main cast member, Whoopi Goldberg appeared in a couple of episodes as Counselor Guinan, leaving a memorable impact on the series. She passed away in 2021.

3. Majel Barrett Roddenberry: She portrayed LWaxana Troi, Deanna Troi's mother, a recurring character. Majel Barrett passed away in 2008.

4. Mark Lenard, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, and Leonard Nimoy: All are from the original Star Trek series (TOS). They had small roles in TNG and reprised their TOS characters. Mark Lenard died in 2015, DeForest Kelley in 1995, James Doohan in 2005, and Leonard Nimoy in 2015. These actors are not part of the main cast but are significant in TNG's history.

Surviving Cast Members from Star Trek: The Next Generation

Fortunately, many of the primary and secondary cast members from Star Trek: The Next Generation are still with us, actively engaging with fans through various platforms like social media and live events. Here is a list of the living cast members:

1. Patrick Stewart: Played Jean-Luc Picard, the captain of the USS Enterprise-D. He continues to be a prominent figure in the Star Trek universe and is still alive.

2. Brent Spiner: Portrayed Data, the android on board the Enterprise. He is still alive and active in Star Trek-related projects.

3. Jonathan Frakes: Played William Riker, first officer of the Enterprise. He is also alive and still connected to the Star Trek community.

4. Marina Sirtis: Played Deanna Troi, the ship's counselor. She is still alive and remains a significant part of the franchise.

5. LeVar Burton: Represented Geordi La Forge, the ship's chief engineer. He is alive and continues to be involved in various Star Trek projects.

6. Whoopi Goldberg and Colm Meaney: Whoopi Goldberg played Counselor Guinan, while Colm Meaney portrayed Kog Insurance Company (KIC). Both are still alive.

7. Wilk Wheaton: Played Wesley Crusher, one of the ship's officers. He is still alive and remains a beloved figure among fans.

8. Michael Dorn: Represented Worf, a Klingon officer. He is alive and still involved in Star Trek-related activities.

9. Gates McFadden: Played Beverly Crusher, the ship's doctor. She is still alive and is still connected to Star Trek projects.

Conclusion

As Star Trek: The Next Generation continues to captivate new generations of viewers, the legacy of its cast members lives on. While some of the primary and secondary cast members have passed on, the surviving actors remain active and enthusiastic about the franchise. Fans continue to celebrate the contributions of these talented individuals, immortalizing their roles in the iconic series.