Interstellar Connections: 12 Actors who Starred in both Star Trek and The X-Files
Discover the surprising crossover between Star Trek and The X-Files as we explore 12 talented actors who have appeared in both iconic sci-fi franchises
Article Overview
Star Trek and The X-Files had many actors in common due to their episodic formats and the need for new actors each episode to portray aliens or monsters.
Callum Keith Rennie, Mark Sheppard, Terry O'Quinn, Tony Todd, and Susanna Thompson are among the notable actors who appeared in both shows.
The interconnectedness of these popular science fiction series is further highlighted by the crossover appearances of Kurtwood Smith, Penny Johnson Jerald, Denise Crosby, Andrew Robinson, and Anthony Rapp.
Star Trek and The X-Files are known as two of the most popular science fiction shows ever. Not only do they have a significant overlap in their audience, but they also share numerous actors. Star Trek had a continuous presence on television throughout the 1990s, showcasing captivating adventures such as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the USS Enterprise-D, as well as Captain Benjamin Sisko and space station Deep Space 9. Both shows, featuring episodic storylines, necessitated the introduction of new actors in each episode to portray aliens or monsters, resulting in many familiar faces for viewers.
The X-Files revolves around FBI Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, who tackle cases too bizarre for other agents to handle. Although The X-Files may not have as much content as Star Trek, it has still managed to inspire eleven seasons of television, two feature-length films, and two spin-offs. After initially concluding in 2002, the show made a comeback in 2016 for two additional seasons, and there are rumors of a potential reboot with involvement from acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler since May 2023. Now, let's take a look at the actors who have appeared in both Star Trek and The X-Files.
12. Callum Keith Rennie - Star Trek: Discovery
The X-files Season 1, Episode 15 ("Lazarus"); & Season 2, Episode 15 ("Fresh Bones")
Although Callum Keith Rennie has yet to officially make his Star Trek debut, he is set to join the cast of Star Trek: Discovery season 5 as Captain Rayner. Rayner is a no-nonsense Starfleet captain known for his ability to get the job done and excel in times of war. This is sure to create conflict between Rayner and Discovery's Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). Prior to this role, Rennie appeared in two episodes of The X-Files. In season 1's "Larazus," he portrayed the unfortunate victim of a possessed FBI agent, and in season 2's "Fresh Bones," he played an unnamed cemetery groundskeeper.
11. Mark Sheppard - Star Trek: Voyager
The X-Files Season 1, Episode 12 ("Fire")
Mark Sheppard, a well-known actor in the genre, gained fame for his role as the demon Crowley in Supernatural. However, one of his earlier performances can be seen in a season 1 episode of The X-Files titled "Fire." In this episode, Sheppard portrays a caretaker of a British estate with the ability to conjure fire using his mind. Another notable appearance by Sheppard is in season 6, episode 19 of Star Trek: Voyager, titled "Child's Play." Here, he portrays Leucon, the father of Icheb (Manu Intiraymi), a former Borg drone. Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) believes that Icheb's reunion with his parents will be a joyous one, but soon learns that Icheb had been genetically engineered to infect and assimilate the Borg.
10. Terry O’Quinn - Star Trek: The Next Generation
The X-Files Season 2, Episode 12 ("Aubrey"); Season 9, Episode 6 ("Trust No 1"); & The X-Files: Fight the Future.
9. Tony Todd - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager
Terry O'Quinn, a well-known genre actor, gained fame for his portrayal of John Locke on Lost. However, he also made notable appearances in other popular shows. In Star Trek: The Next Generation season 7, episode 12, titled "The Pegasus," O'Quinn took on the role of Admiral Eric Pressman, the former captain of the USS Pegasus and the former commanding officer of Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes). Additionally, O'Quinn made appearances in two different episodes of The X-Files ("Aubrey" and "Trust No 1"). Nevertheless, his most significant role in The X-Files franchise was as FBI agent Lt. Brian Tillman in the first X-Files movie, The X-Files: Fight the Future.
The X-Files Season 2, Episode 4 ("Sleepless")
Yet another renowned actor, Tony Todd has gained popularity for his captivating performances in the horror genre. However, he has also made notable appearances in various science fiction series. Todd has portrayed three distinct characters in the Star Trek franchise, making appearances in different Star Trek shows. In the acclaimed episode "The Visitor" of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he brilliantly portrayed the adult version of Jake Sisko. Additionally, Todd first appeared as the Klingon Kurn, the son of Mogh and brother of Lt. Commander Worf (Michael Dorn), in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and subsequently reprised the role in DS9. Furthermore, he was featured in episode 16 of season 4 of Star Trek: Voyager, titled "Prey," where he played the role of the leader of a group of Hirogen. Todd's character in The X-Files was an ex-Marine who acquired the ability to create illusions following a sleep deprivation experiment.
8. Susanna Thompson - Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, & Star Trek: The Next Generation
The X-Files Season 1, Episode 9 ("Space")
Susanna Thompson is known for her appearances in various Star Trek roles. However, her most notable portrayal was as the Borg Queen in Star Trek: Voyager. In addition to this, Thompson played the character of Trill scientist Lenara Kahn in DS9's episode "Rejoined," where a significant event occurred – a kiss shared between her character and Lt. Jadzia Dax. This particular moment generated controversy due to the television and cultural climate of the mid-1990s. Moreover, Thompson also had minor roles in two episodes of TNG. Outside of Star Trek, she took on the character Michelle Generoo, a NASA communications commander, in The X-Files, aiding Agents Mulder and Scully in their investigation of NASA mission sabotage. It is worth noting that Alice Krige originated the Borg Queen character in Star Trek: First Contact but did not reprise the role until Voyager's finale, "Endgame."
7. Hiro Kanagawa - Star Trek: Discovery
The X-Files Season 2, Episode 9 ("Firewalker"); Season 4, Episode 19 ("Synchrony"); & Season 10, Episode 1 ("My Struggle")
Dr. Hirai, an expert in astrolinguistics, xenophonology, and theoretical semiotics, was a new addition to the Star Trek family. Hiro Kanagawa joined the cast of Star Trek: Discovery for the final few episodes of season 4. Working with the crew of the USS Discovery, Hirai attempted to establish communication with Unknown Species 10-C. Kanagawa has also made appearances in The X-Files, taking on different roles. He played an ill-fated systems analyst in season 2's "Firewalker" and an equally ill-fated biology researcher named Dr. Yonechi in season 4's "Synchrony." In 2016, he reprised his role as a scientist and portrayed Dr. Garner in the season 10 premiere, "My Struggle."
6. Jennifer Hetrick - Star Trek: The Next Generation & Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The X-Files Season 3, Episode 21 ("Avatar")
Jennifer Hetrick gained popularity for her portrayal of Vash in two episodes of TNG and one episode of DS9. Vash and Captain Picard shared a fleeting yet delightful romance when they crossed paths during the captain's vacation. In her subsequent appearance on TNG, Vash encountered the mischievous Q (John de Lancie), embarking on a journey through time and space alongside him. In The X-Files, Hetrick brought to life the character of Sharon Skinner, the wife of FBI Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi). Despite Director Skinner's continued prominence in the series, the fate of Sharon Skinner following the events of "Avatar" remains a mystery.
5. Kurtwood Smith - Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, & Star Trek: Lower Decks
The X-Files Season 3, Episode 14 ("Grotesque")
Star Trek fans may recognize Kurtwood Smith initially for his role as the Federation President, whose life was threatened in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. However, he also made notable appearances in DS9 and Voyager. In DS9 season 5, episode 8 titled "Things Past," Smith undergoes a dramatic transformation as Thrax, a Cardassian who previously held the position of Chief of Security on Terok Nor before Constable Odo (René Auberjonois) assumed the role. Venturing into Voyager, Smith takes on the role of Annorax, the primary antagonist in the captivating two-part episode "Year of Hell" during season 4. Additionally, Smith portrays the character of FBI Special Agent-turned-killer Bill Patterson in The X-Files. Not limited to live-action performances, Smith lends his voice to Imperium Magistrate Clar in Lower Decks season 1, episode 8 titled "Veritas."
4. Penny Johnson Jerald - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: The Next Generation
The X-Files Season 8, Episode 12 ("Medusa")
Penny Johnson Jerald, known for her notable roles on 24 and The Orville, gained recognition among Star Trek fans for her portrayal of Kasidy Yates on DS9. Yates, a freighter captain, crossed paths with Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) through the introduction of Sisko's son, Jake (Cirroc Lofton). Their relationship blossoms, leading to their eventual marriage towards the end of DS9. In "Medusa," an episode from season 8 of The X-Files, Agents Dana Scully and John Doggett (Robert Patrick) delve into a series of mysterious deaths in the tunnels beneath Boston. Jerald takes on the role of Dr. Hellura Lyle, a CDC pathogen specialist who assists Scully and Doggett in their investigation. Notably, in a previous appearance, Jerald played the character Dobara, a villager, in episode 13 of TNG season 7 titled "Homeward."
3. Denise Crosby - Star Trek: The Next Generation
The X-Files Season 8, Episode 17 ("Empedocles"); & Season 8, Episode 20 ("Essence")
Initially a main character on TNG, Denise Crosby's Lt. Tasha Yar met a tragic demise within the first season. However, Crosby continued to portray the character in later episodes of TNG, taking on different alternate versions. One notable return was as Sela, Yar's half-Romulan daughter from an alternate timeline. In The X-Files, Crosby made brief appearances as Dr. Mary Speake, the gynecologist responsible for Dana Scully's prenatal care during the final months of her pregnancy.
2. Andrew Robinson - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The X-Files Season 6, Episode 16 ("Alpha")
Andrew Robinson's portrayal of Elim Garak in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was truly remarkable and garnered a massive fan following. As a Cardassian spy-turned-tailor, Garak embodied the morally ambiguous nature of DS9, which set him apart from the other prominent characters in the Star Trek universe. Despite his questionable choices, Garak's charm and strong friendships with Odo and Dr. Julian Bashir (played by Alexander Siddig) made him a complex and captivating individual. Interestingly, Robinson also appeared in The X-Files as cryptozoologist Dr. Ian Detweiler. Mulder, the protagonist, grew suspicious of Detweiler's ability to transform into a dangerous canine-like creature, adding another intriguing layer to Robinson's versatile acting skills.
1. Anthony Rapp - Star Trek: Discovery
The X-Files Season 5, Episode 4 ("Detour")
Commander Paul Stamets, played by Anthony Rapp, is the spore drive specialist aboard the USS Discovery. By tapping into the mycelial network, Stamets is able to propel the ship across vast distances instantaneously. His deep knowledge and passion for science have proven instrumental in saving the Discovery multiple times. Alongside his husband, Dr. Hugh Culber (played by Wilson Cruz), Stamets portrays a realistic and heartwarming relationship. Anthony Rapp's acting career spans beyond Star Trek, as he initially gained recognition for his role as technician Jeff Glaser in The X-Files season 5 episode "Detour." Notably, Rapp originated the character of Mark Cohen in the popular Broadway musical Rent. With his unique distinction of being a main character in both a Star Trek series and an appearance in The X-Files, Rapp stands out among his peers.
Editor's P/S
As a fan of both Star Trek and The X-Files, I am excited to see the connections between the two shows highlighted in this article. It is fascinating to learn about the talented actors who have appeared in both franchises, and it makes me appreciate the interconnectedness of the science fiction genre.
The fact that so many actors have appeared in both Star Trek and The X-Files is a testament to the strength of both franchises and the talent of the actors involved. It's also interesting to note that many of the actors who appeared in both shows played very different roles, which showcases their versatility and range as performers. Overall, I think this article is a great way to celebrate the connections between two of the most iconic science fiction shows of all time.
