Unveiling the Oldest Star Trek Characters: A Comprehensive Guide

Star Trek has a rich history, filled with iconic characters that have captivated audiences over the decades. When it comes to identifying the oldest surviving characters from the show, it is important to consider both the primary cast and guest stars. In this article, we will explore who the oldest character is, based on their age, and discuss some of the earliest and latest canonical appearances in the series.

Who is the Oldest Star Trek Character?

The question of who the oldest Star Trek character is can be answered from different perspectives. If we look at the primary cast of the original series, William Shatner stands out. As of March 2023, Shatner is 92 years old, making him the oldest remaining member of the original cast.

However, when it comes to guest stars, Michael Forest holds the title. Forest, who played the character Apollo in the episode "Who Mourns for Adonais," is 94 as of April 2023. This makes him the oldest Star Trek character, both in terms of longevity and current age. Another notable guest star, Robert Brown, who played the character Lazarus in "The Alternative Factor," is also current at 96 in November 2023.

Record-Breaking Appearances: Early and Late Canonical Appearances

When it comes to identifying the character with the earliest and latest canonical appearances, a closer analysis of the show reveals some interesting insights. Earl "Kor" mentions a character from the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine series as the earliest canon appearance, while Spock is noted for his latest canon appearance.

Earliest Canonical Appearance: Kor, a Klingon officer and a Dahar Master, has the earliest known appearance in the original series. He was first introduced in the TOS episode "Errand of Mercy" and appeared in three separate episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, with the last being in the 6th season. This makes Kor a favorite among fans for his unique introduction and impact on the show.

Latest Canonical Appearance: On the other hand, Spock is known for his latest canonical appearance. The events that led to his arrival in the Kelvin Timeline in Star Trek Beyond occurred several years after the events of Nemesis. This makes Spock the character with the latest appearance in the official canon, with his most recent appearance in the upcoming Strange New Worlds series.

The Longest Running Characters: Spock and Worf

In terms of the characters who have appeared the longest in the series, Spock holds the record. He first appeared in the original pilot episode of Star Trek and continues to be a central figure in Discovery and Strange New Worlds. Additionally, he appeared in the first six movies, the three Kelvin universe movies, and the two-part episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also made a notable appearance in The Animated Series.

However, if we consider the number of appearances, Worf takes the lead. He was a series regular for seven seasons on TNG and four seasons on Deep Space Nine. He also appeared in four movies and is set to return in a new season of Picard. This adds up to over 250 episodes, significantly more than Spock's approximately 100 appearances.

Conclusion

The Star Trek universe is vast and filled with unforgettable characters. Whether it's the oldest, earliest, or longest running characters, they all contribute to the rich tapestry of the franchise. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the series, it is fascinating to explore the history and evolution of these characters.

Key Figures:

Oldest Character (Guest Star): Michael Forest as Apollo (Kor: 94 years old) Oldest Main Cast: William Shatner (92 years old) Longest Running Character: Spock (Kor: 250 episodes, Worf: 250 episodes)

Thanks for asking, and we hope you enjoyed this exploration of the Star Trek characters!

Note: The information provided is accurate as of March 2023 and might be subject to change.