Exploring Michelle Forbes' Iconic Acting Roles, Featuring Ro Laren from Star Trek: TNG

Michelle Forbes, known for her role as Ensign Ro Laren in Star Trek: The Next Generation, has an impressive list of film and TV credits beyond this beloved character. Despite being offered a lead role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Forbes chose to explore other acting opportunities, a decision that seemed to benefit both her career and the show in the long run.

In a later season of Star Trek: Picard, Michelle Forbes made a return as an older version of Ro Laren, delivering a remarkable performance. Throughout the years between her appearances in TNG and Picard, Forbes has appeared in numerous popular TV shows, often portraying characters with intricate layers that she skillfully unveils to show vulnerability and depth.

Susan Metcalfe in Messiah 1 to 3

6 episodes (2001 - 2004)

Susan holds Red's face so that she can lip read. - 6 episodes (2001 - 2004) - Susan Metcalfe in Messiah 1 to 3

Michelle Forbes starred as Susan Metcalfe in the BBC series Messiah from 2001 to 2004. In the show, she portrays the deaf wife of Detective Chief Inspector Red Metcalfe, played by Ken Stott. Throughout the three seasons, Forbes impressively communicates using British Sign Language, showcasing a highly physical performance. While the premise of the couple's relationship may seem questionable, with Red dealing with gruesome crimes and Susan unable to hear, Forbes' portrayal brings depth and emotion to the character.

Dawn Lockard in Swimming With Sharks (1994)

Released April 21, 1995

michelle-forbes-best-roles-swimming-with-sharks - Released April 21, 1995 - Dawn Lockard in Swimming With Sharks (1994)

Swimming with Sharks focuses on the intense clash between Kevin Spacey and Frank Whalley's characters, but Michelle Forbes adds a touch of warmth as Dawn Lockard. The movie serves as a satire of the toxic environment found in Hollywood studios, a theme that has become even more somber following Kevin Spacey's public downfall. Forbes portrays a producer who stands out as the only likable character in the film, and the harsh treatment of Dawn highlights the ruthless nature of climbing the career ladder in the entertainment industry.

Lieutenant Jackson in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two (2015)

Released November 20, 2015

michelle-forbes-best-roles-hunger-games - Released November 20, 2015 - Lieutenant Jackson in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two (2015)

In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two, Michelle Forbes portrayed Lieutenant Jackson, a member of the resistance fighters who participated in the Battle of the Capitol. Jackson, skeptical of Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, met a tragic fate at the claws of the lizard mutts. While not stealing the spotlight from Jennifer Lawrence, Forbes brought a touch of her previous roles, such as Ro Laren in Star Trek: The Next Generation, to the character of Lieutenant Jackson in the film.

Mitch Larsen in The Killing

Seasons 1 and 2, 2011 - 2012

Mitch Larsen (Michelle Forbes) looking over her shoulder in The Killing - Seasons 1 and 2, 2011 - 2012 - Mitch Larsen in The Killing

In the American remake of The Killing, Michelle Forbes played the role of Mitch Larsen, a mother mourning the loss of her daughter. Her portrayal of Mitch captured the complexity of grief as she struggled to come to terms with the tragic murder. Forbes' performance was nuanced, avoiding any excessive melodrama. Despite not reaching the same level as the original Scandinavian series, the dynamic between Mitch and Stan Larsen, played by Brent Sexton, was a compelling element as their marriage unraveled amidst a gripping murder investigation.

Lynne Kresge in 24

Season 2, 18 episodes (2002 - 2003)

24-lynne-mike - Season 2, 18 episodes (2002 - 2003) - Lynne Kresge in 24

Michelle Forbes starred as Lynne Kresge, a crisis management advisor to President David Palmer in 24 season 2. Lynne played a crucial role in the political drama of the season, uncovering a conspiracy to overthrow President Palmer by some of his own cabinet members. Forbes also had intense phone conversations with the daring agent Jack Bauer and matched his intense energy. Unfortunately, Lynne's story came to a tragic end, leading to Forbes not returning for 24 season 3.

Lynne's main rival in 24 season 2 was the President's ex-wife, Sherry Palmer, played by Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Penny Johnson Jerald.

Maryann Forrester in True Blood

Seasons 1 and 2 (15 episodes)

Maryann (Michelle Forbes) in a wedding dress in True Blood. - Seasons 1 and 2 (15 episodes) - Maryann Forrester in True Blood

Carrie Laughlin in Kalifornia (1993)

Michelle Forbes took on the role of Maryann Forester in True Blood, portraying the main antagonist of season 2. Maryann, a Maenad, possessed immense power and immortality, with the ability to transform her hands into deadly talons. This character was quite extravagant for Forbes, known for her work in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Despite this, Forbes brought a sense of authenticity and allure to Maryann, making her a captivating villain in True Blood season 2.

Released September 3, 1993

kalifornia-brad-pitt-juliette-lewis-david-duchovny-michelle-forbes - Released September 3, 1993 - Carrie Laughlin in Kalifornia (1993)

Dr. Julianna Cox in Homicide: Life On The Street

Dr. Julianna Cox is a character in the TV series Homicide: Life On The Street. She is a member of the homicide unit, known for her intelligence and dedication to solving cases. Played by actress Michelle Forbes, Dr. Cox brings a strong presence to the show with her no-nonsense attitude and sharp investigative skills. Her character adds depth and complexity to the team dynamic, making her a standout in the series.

32 episodes and 1 TV movie (1996 - 2000)

homicide-life-on-the-street-season-5-cast - 32 episodes and 1 TV movie (1996 - 2000) - Dr. Julianna Cox in Homicide: Life On The Street

Michelle Forbes joined the cast of Homicide: Life on the Street in season 5 as Dr. Julianna Cox, the medical examiner. Similar to Ro Laren from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Dr. Cox had a strong moral code that sometimes led her to defy orders. This ultimately led to her dismissal as Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for refusing to tamper with evidence. She was a realistic and complex character for network TV in the 1990s, with multiple romantic partners and a tumultuous relationship with Detective Mike Kellerman.

Yaphet Kotto, known for his role as Lieutenant Al Giardello in Homicide: Life on the Street, was once a candidate for the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Admiral Helena Cain in Battlestar Galactica

3 episodes and the TV movie, Battlestar Galactica: Razor

BSG Helena Cain - 3 episodes and the TV movie, Battlestar Galactica: Razor - Admiral Helena Cain in Battlestar Galactica

Michelle Forbes, known for her role in Star Trek, delivered a standout performance as Admiral Helena Cain in Battlestar Galactica. Forbes portrayed Cain's pain and struggles during the war with the Cylons with great depth. Despite some of Cain's questionable decisions, they were justifiable considering the traumatic events that she and the crew of Battlestar Pegasus had endured following the Fall of the Twelve Colonies. Commander William Adama (played by Edward James Olmos) understood the complexity of Cain's actions and chose not to condemn them even after her death, recognizing the difficult circumstances she faced.

Ro Laren in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard

9 episodes of TNG (1991 - 1994) and 1 episode of Picard season 3.

Star Trek TNG Ensign Ro Laren - 9 episodes of TNG (1991 - 1994) and 1 episode of Picard season 3. - Ro Laren in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard

When Michelle Forbes joined Star Trek: The Next Generation in season 5, she brought a fresh energy to the cast. Rick Berman and Michael Piller wanted a character with more edge than the usual crew of the starship Enterprise. In discussing Ro's character origins, Berman mentioned they were looking for someone with the strength and dignity of a Starfleet officer, but with a troubled past. Forbes portrayed this complexity perfectly, often clashing with some of the show's most beloved characters.

Michelle Forbes and Patrick Stewart had great chemistry on screen, making the mentor and pupil relationship between Ro and Captain Jean-Luc Picard believable and impactful. Ro's connection with Picard was a crucial aspect of her character's journey, leading to a shocking yet fitting betrayal in season 7. Forbes' unexpected return in Star Trek: Picard season 3 was a delightful surprise, as she skillfully portrayed Ro with the wisdom and exhaustion of her time with the Maquis. It served as a reminder of the valuable contribution Michelle Forbes made to Star Trek: The Next Generation cast with her exceptional acting skills.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an impressive overview of Michelle Forbes' extensive filmography, highlighting her versatility as an actress. From her iconic role in Star Trek: The Next Generation to her complex portrayal in True Blood, Forbes has consistently delivered captivating performances that showcase her ability to breathe life into layered and intriguing characters. Her refusal to conform to expectations has led her to explore a wide range of roles, proving that she is not afraid to push boundaries and embrace challenges.

Throughout her career, Forbes has demonstrated an exceptional talent for delving into the emotional depths of her characters. Whether portraying a grieving mother in The Killing or a ruthless villain in Battlestar Galactica, she brings a level of authenticity and nuance that elevates her performances beyond the ordinary. Her ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level is a testament to her skill as an actress and leaves a lasting impression.