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!
