Category: Special Guests

Terry Farrell brought to life the character of Jadzia Dax, a member of one the more interesting alien species from the Star Trek universe. As a joined Trill, Terry brought both depth and complexity to the series, portraying a character with centuries of lifetimes’ worth of memories and experiences. Her portrayal of Dax blended intelligence, strength, wit, and emotional nuance, making the character a fan favorite and a symbol of the franchise’s commitment to bold storytelling. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast added a memorable and often poignant dimension to the show.

Terry was born in the same state that was eventually christened as Captain Kirk’s fictional birthplace, Iowa. Already almost six feet tall in high school, she modeled for 18 months before turning to acting, appearing in the motion picture comedy Back to School, and then stints on television such as Quantum Leap and The Cosby Show.

In the early 1990s, she joined the cast of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Her character was the focus of many popular episodes, allowing Terry to showcase her talents over several years. Following Deep Space Nine, she went on to co-star in the hit sitcom Becker alongside Ted Danson, showcasing her range with comedic timing and charm. Today, Terry Farrell is a treasured member of the Star Trek legacy, regularly engaging with fans at events and celebrating the enduring impact of Deep Space Nine. Her portrayal of Jadzia Dax broke ground in terms of science fiction representation—exploring themes of gender, identity, and legacy in ways that still resonate.

This is Terry’s second visit to Trekonderoga – don’t miss the opportunity to meet Dax herself in the corridors of the Starship Enterprise, as she once roamed, in character as Dax, in one of the most popular episodes of DS9, “Trials and Tribble-ations”, pictured here!

Armin Shimerman is a fan-favorite among Star Trek enthusiasts for his unforgettable portrayal of Quark, the cunning yet endearing Ferengi bartender on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. As one of the show’s central characters, Quark provided both comic relief and deep social commentary, often serving as a mirror to the Federation’s ideals. Shimerman infused the role with charm, nuance, and humanity, transforming what could have been a one-note character into a complex figure wrestling with questions of morality, profit, family, and culture. His work gave the Ferengi a new depth and legitimacy within the Star Trek mythos.

Shimerman’s portrayal of Quark spanned all seven seasons of Deep Space Nine, making him one of the series’ most enduring and recognizable characters. Whether running the bar, outwitting customers, or confronting Ferengi traditions, Quark often found himself caught between personal ambition and unexpected acts of conscience. Shimerman’s expressive physicality and precise delivery—even under heavy prosthetic makeup—allowed him to explore themes of capitalism, loyalty, and cultural identity, often in surprisingly profound ways. Many DS9 episodes stand out as testaments to his skill at balancing humor with heart.

Beyond Star Trek, Armin Shimerman boasts a rich and varied acting career. He has appeared in numerous television shows, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where he played Principal Snyder, and has lent his distinctive voice to many animated series and video games, such as BioShock and Mass Effect. A classically trained stage actor, Shimerman has also performed Shakespeare on stage and remains deeply involved in theater. His talents extend to writing as well—he co-authored The Merchant Prince, a series of science fiction-themed historical novels.

At Star Trek events, Shimerman is known for his warmth, intellect, and deep appreciation for the show’s message and legacy. Don’t miss Armin’s first appearance on board the Starship Enterprise at 2025’s edition of Trekonderoga!

Nana Visitor is celebrated among Star Trek fans for her powerful portrayal of Major (later Colonel) Kira Nerys on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. As a former Bajoran resistance fighter turned first officer of Deep Space Nine, Kira was a complex, passionate, and often confrontational character who grew tremendously over the series’ seven seasons. Visitor brought raw intensity and emotional authenticity to the role, making Kira one of the most compelling and dynamic figures in the Star Trek franchise. Her performance helped ground the series’ darker tone and more serialized
storytelling, earning her admiration from fans and critics alike.

Before joining Star Trek, Nana Visitor had an established career in television, appearing in popular series like The Sentinel, MacGyver, and Knight Rider. She also held recurring roles on soap operas and sitcoms, showcasing a wide acting range from drama to comedy. After Deep Space Nine, she continued to take on diverse roles, including starring as Jean Ritter in Wildfire.

Visitor’s time on Deep Space Nine was transformative. Through Kira Nerys, she tackled themes of trauma, faith, leadership, and redemption, offering a rich and nuanced portrayal of a woman shaped by war but striving for peace. Her character’s arc—from a resistance fighter wary of Starfleet to a trusted and principled leader—was one of the most fully realized journeys in the Star Trek canon. Visitor’s chemistry with co-stars such as René Auberjonois further enriched the show’s interpersonal dynamics.

This year, we are pleased to have Nana visit us for the first time on board the Starship Enterprise at Star Trek Original Series Set Tour! Join the fun to meet & greet Nana as you both explore the amazing sets, attend her panel, and chat with her while getting autographs and photos!