Exploring Marc Alaimo's Roles in Star Trek: Characters Across Two Series

Before taking on the iconic role of Gul Dukat in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Marc Alaimo appeared as multiple characters on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Not only did Alaimo portray one of Star Trek's most memorable villains in Dukat, but he also played one of the first Romulans in TNG and the first Cardassian in the franchise. In TNG, Alaimo took on four different characters, all of whom had somewhat antagonistic roles. With his unique voice and strong on-screen presence, it's no wonder that Star Trek's producers kept casting Alaimo in various roles.

Marc Alaimo started his career in theater, often playing villainous characters like Iago in Shakespeare's Othello. After moving to Los Angeles, Alaimo appeared in numerous television series during the 1970s and 1980s, frequently portraying antagonistic roles. He also had roles in several films, with one of his most notable performances being as Captain Everett in 1990's Total Recall. Alaimo's impact on the Star Trek franchise goes beyond his portrayal of Dukat. Not only did he bring depth to the character of Dukat, but he also influenced the design of the Cardassians. The makeup supervisor, Michael Westmore, based the Cardassians' neck ridges on Alaimo's prominent neck muscles.

Badar N'D'D

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 7 - "Lonely Among Us"

Star Trek TNG Lonely Among Us Marc Alaimo Antican - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 7 - "Lonely Among Us" - Badar N'D'D

Marc Alaimo made his first appearance in Star Trek as Badar N'D'D, the chief delegate of the Antican species, in an uncredited role on Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1. The episode "Lonely Among Us" follows the USS Enterprise-D as it transports a delegation of Anticans and their rivals, the Selay, to a conference on a planet named Parliament. Both groups want to join the United Federation of Planets, but the Federation requires them to settle their differences first. While the Enterprise crew tries to keep the delegations separated, a non-corporeal alien entity starts taking over certain crew members. Alaimo's portrayal in the Antican alien makeup is so convincing that he is hardly recognizable, and makeup designer Michael Westmore even used the cast of Alaimo's head as inspiration for the Cardassians' appearance.

Although it was written in the script, the name Badar N'D'D is never spoken on screen, so its pronunciation is unclear.

Commander Tebok

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 26 - "The Neutral Zone"

Star Trek TNG Neutral Zone Mark Alaimo Romulan Tebok - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 26 - "The Neutral Zone" - Commander Tebok

Marc Alaimo's next appearance is in the final episode of TNG season 1, portraying the Romulan Commander Tebok. The USS Enterprise-D investigates destroyed outposts along the Federation/Romulan Neutral Zone and encounters a Romulan Warbird under Tebok's command. Tebok questions the Enterprise's breach of the Neutral Zone and reveals that Romulan outposts have also been destroyed. Despite limited action, Alaimo effectively portrays Tebok as menacing. Originally intended as a two-part story before the 1988 Writers Strike, "The Neutral Zone" would have featured the Enterprise and Romulans teaming up against the Borg, the true culprits behind the outposts' destruction.

Gul Macet

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 4, Episode 12 - "The Wounded"

Star Trek TNG Wounded Marc Alaimo Gul Macet - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 4, Episode 12 - "The Wounded"

In the episode "The Wounded" of TNG, Marc Alaimo portrays Gul Macet, the first Cardassian ever seen on screen. Macet commands the warship Trager and responds to an attack on a Cardassian outpost by the Federation vessel USS Phoenix. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew pursue the Phoenix and its captain, Benjamin Maxwell, who appears to have turned rogue. Macet and his men are taken aboard the Enterprise during this pursuit.

This episode not only introduces the Cardassians as the main antagonists of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine but also sheds light on Chief Miles O'Brien, who will later become a key character on DS9. O'Brien, who served under Maxwell on the USS Rutledge during the Cardassian War, shares Maxwell's suspicion of Cardassians.

Frederick La Rouque

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 26 - "Time's Arrow"

Star Trek TNG Time's Arrow Frederick La Rouque Marc Alaimo - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 26 - "Time's Arrow"

In the first part of TNG's "Time's Arrow" two-parter, Marc Alaimo plays Frederick La Rouque, a professional card shark from 19th-century New Orleans. Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) travels back to 19th-century San Francisco and meets La Rouque at a poker table. Data pretends to be French to blend in, impressing La Rouque who speaks to him in French. Data joins the poker game and surprises La Rouque with his skills, winning all his money. Data leaves wearing La Rouque's vest, showing off his victory.

Gul Dukat

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Gul Dukat from Star Trek DS9 - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Marc Alaimo is best known for his role as Gul Dukat in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Dukat was in charge of Terok Nor during the Cardassian's rule over Bajor. Despite his cruel actions towards the Bajoran people, Dukat viewed himself as a kind leader and resented the Bajorans for not acknowledging his supposed compassion. Throughout the series, Dukat often clashed with Captain Benjamin Sisko but also occasionally collaborated with him. Alaimo's exceptional performance made Dukat one of Star Trek's most intriguing and multifaceted villains.

In the series finale of DS9, Dukat, who had become the head of the Cardassian Union, joined forces with the Dominion, leading to the Dominion War and the recapture of Deep Space 9. Unfortunately, the loss of his daughter, Tora Ziyal, and the defeat in the war drove Dukat to madness. He allowed himself to be possessed by a Pah-wraith, leading to a tragic incident where he killed Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax at the Bajoran Temple on Deep Space Nine. This ultimately led to a dramatic showdown with Sisko, the Emissary of the Prophets, resulting in Dukat being thrown into the Fire Caves, the eternal prison of the Pah-wraiths.

Burt Ryan

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 6, Episode 13 - "Far Beyond The Stars"

Star Trek DS9 Far Beyond the Stars Marc Aliamo Burt Ryan - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Season 6, Episode 13 - "Far Beyond The Stars"

In one of the most memorable episodes of DS9, Captain Benjamin Sisko envisions himself as a 1950s science fiction writer named Benny Russell. The other characters from DS9 take on roles in Sisko's fantasy version of 20th-century New York. Marc Alaimo portrays Burt Ryan, a prejudiced police officer who, together with his partner Kevin Mulkahey (played by Jeffrey Combs), mistreats Benny Russell. Officers Ryan and Mulkahey are also involved in the tragic death of Jimmy (performed by Cirroc Lofton), a young boy from the streets. Russell endures a brutal beating as he tries to help his friend. "Far Beyond The Stars" not only stands out as an outstanding TV episode but also showcases Star Trek's talent for addressing social issues, delivering a powerful message that remains relevant today.

Star Trek: The Next Generation & Star Trek: Deep Space Nine are available to stream on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S:

Marc Alaimo's portrayal of Gul Dukat in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine remains one of the most iconic performances in the franchise's history. Alaimo's ability to bring depth and complexity to a character who was both cruel and sympathetic made Dukat one of the most fascinating and memorable villains in science fiction.

Alaimo's versatility as an actor is evident in his multiple roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation. From the menacing Romulan Commander Tebok to the enigmatic Frederick La Rouque, Alaimo demonstrated his range and ability to create memorable characters in a variety of roles. His contributions to the Star Trek franchise extended beyond his acting, as he also influenced the design of the Cardassians, one of the most distinctive alien races in the series.